The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) responded to criticisms linking reclamation activities to pollution in Manila Bay, emphasizing that inadequate waste and sewage management is the primary cause.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA), the bulk of the pollution comes from untreated wastewater and solid waste entering the bay via rivers and drainage systems.
PRA Chairman Alexander Lopez stated that the real issue is the ongoing, unchecked flow of sewage and garbage into the bay, a problem that has been ignored for years.
The PRA is collaborating with national agencies and water providers to expand sewage systems, improve waste treatment, and integrate water-quality measures into reclamation planning.
The agency also stressed that while reclamation can be sustainable with proper planning, illegal developments encroaching on riverbanks and drainage channels pose serious risks and are being dismantled.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 3, 2025
