Environmental and fisherfolk groups called on the Environment department on Friday to review ongoing reclamation projects in Manila and other parts of the country.
“We approach this new leadership with open minds,” read a statement of the People’s NICHE, an alliance of multi-sectoral civil society organizations opposed to destructive reclamation projects.
In a letter, the group requested the Environment department “to bring utmost attention to reclamation issues,” such as the 320-hectare reclamation project in Bacoor City, Cavite, and the ongoing reclamation for the construction of the 2,500-hectare Bulacan Aerotropolis project.
Among the signatories of the letter are PAMALAKAYA Pilipinas, AKAP KA Manila Bay, Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, Center for Environmental Concerns – Philippines, AGHAM – Advocates of Science and Technology for the People, and Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines, Oceana Philippines, and Living Laudato Si’ Philippines.
“The institutions we represent all hold the scientific values of critical thinking and seek evidence-based solutions, as well as principles of social justice and equity,” said Jon Bonifacio, acting national coordinator of the Kalikasan Peoples’ Network for the Environment.
The groups said that they are aware the new Environment Secretary, Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga, is an “experts’ expert” on environmental issues, based on her track record of decades of work as an advocate for creating climate- and disaster-resilient Filipino communities.
According to PAMALAKAYA, there are approximately 50 reclamation projects in different parts of Manila Bay, which make up for at least 30,000 hectares of fishing grounds.
