In this September 3, 2020, photo, workers prepare ground dolomite to create a white sand appearance for a portion of Manila Bay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines — The so-called Dolomite Beach in Manila Bay is now complete, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) declared Tuesday.
During the hearing of the Senate committee on finance, DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones that no additional fund is needed for the artificial white sand beach project for 2023 because it’s already finished.
“I’m happy to say that we have completed the dolomite area, the putting, and placing of sand,” Leones said in response to Senator Nancy Binay’s interpellation about the controversial Dolomite Beach.
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He also said that allocation for Manila Bay rehabilitation will be given to areas around the body of water and for the installation of a waste management facility to make sure of its conservation.
READ: Dolomite project just one of many ecological threats seen in Manila Bay
“There’s no additional budget. The budget for Manila Bay rehabilitation will be given to the different regions for the protection of Manila Bay and for the enforcement and installation of a waste management facility.”
“But for the dolomite in the Baywalk, we have already completed,” he added.
The DENR’s proposed budget for 2023 is P23 billion.
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The P389-million Dolomite Beach project involved dumping crushed dolomite on a 500-meter stretch of land along Manila Bay. Proponents called the undertaking “beach nourishment,” but critics called it a massive waste of people’s money.
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