Efforts to return Manila Bay to its original state have been made in the past, but none have yielded substantial results—at least not until now. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has recently begun enforcing tougher steps to rehabilitate the area, resulting in orders calling for the closing of places like the Manila Zoo and the closure of services at some famous restaurants. The cleanup's progress can only be the first step toward the development of the world's largest "smart city," the New Manila Bay City of Pearl.
The planned city's construction was first discussed in 2017, and in November 2018, Manila mayor Joseph Estrada and Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto signed a memorandum of understanding to carry out the initiative. A consortium led by local company UAA Kinming Group Development Corp. formed the plan for New Manila Bay City of Pearl in collaboration with a multinational mix of investors from China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and other regions. It envisions a community with a central business district, as well as housing, shopping, leisure, medical, school, athletics, and other amenities.
The 407-hectare plan, furthermore, would necessitate the conversion of some of Manila Bay's waters to land, which has alarmed environmentalists in the Philippines.
The Earth Island Institute Philippines warned of the detrimental effects of reclamation programs in a Facebook post. "Not only is garbage waste devastating the city's coast; reclamation, an irreversible project, poses a larger danger to the climate and the survival of thousands of [fisherfolk] living in Mega Manila's coastal communities."
Some lawmakers have also raised concerns about reclamation efforts in Manila Bay, fearing that the current restoration could be a prelude to reclamation. "Ano ang silbi ng rehabilitasyon mo kung magtatambak ka ng lupa ay 'yong tubig ng Manila Bay, 'yong look ng Manila Bay, 'yong pangisdaan ng Manila Bay, tatambakan mo ng lupa para itayo ang mga proyekto ng Build, Build, Build?" Anakpawis Representative
According to an article in The Philippine Star, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo did not deny that any reclamation would take place but also stated that reclamation projects would result in more employment and revenue, thus boosting the country's economy.
The City of Pearl is said to have been built with the intention of being a smart and prosperous city, with green policies and renewable energy-generating features. It is scheduled to be out in 2035.
Since Metro Manila remains under lockdown and the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb, the project's launch could be postponed or halted, but we'll have to wait to see what happens next.
