LOYZAGA CALLS FOR FLOOD MANAGEMENT PLAN IN MANILA BAY RECLAMATION

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive flood management plan in Manila Bay reclamation projects to prevent worsening flooding in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.
She pointed out that many submitted reclamation proposals lack integration with local flood management plans, which could lead to water stagnation and further flood risks.
Loyzaga also discussed the findings of a study by the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, confirming that changes to the Manila Bay environment could disrupt water circulation and drainage, making flood management crucial.
In addition to flood risks, she raised concerns about infrastructure gaps, such as traffic management, waste disposal, and the impact of reclamation on local communities and the fisheries sector.
Loyzaga stressed the need for a climate-resilient, sustainable, and science-based approach to reclamation projects, which would align with the Supreme Court’s Mandamus to clean and preserve Manila Bay.