It is too early to say whether the dolomite sand dumped in Manila Bay has been washed out, said Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones.
According to Leones, the “dolomite beach” project is not yet complete, and “geotubes” have also been installed to ensure that artificial sand is not eroded.
“We have put in place ‘yong mga geotubes to ensure na ‘di mawa-wash out ‘yong mga dolomite. Siguro too early to say na nag-wash out na siya,” said Leones.
After the civil society organization, Oceana Philippines said in April that the artificial white sand is eroding.
“From December 2020 to February 2021, this dolomite beach has eroded by at least 300 square meters. They are refilling it again and even extending the area,” said Oceana Vice President Gloria Ramos.
But according to Leones, eroding sand in the seas is normal.
“Even in ordinary beaches talaga namang nage-erode nang kaunti so ‘yon nga ‘yong mine-maintain sa beaches, ‘yong coastal resorts natin, ‘yan ‘yong ginagawa natin,” he said.
The rainy season is also expected to see if the “geotubes” are effective in preventing erosion.
DENR has yet to say if dolomite sand washed out in Manila Bay
“Gusto natin mag-rainy season na dahil para once and for all we can see and evaluate kung talagang effective ‘yong ating beach nourishment. Pinag-aralan namin yan and we are confident na kahit bagyuhin ‘yan, kahit anong ulan man, nandiyan pa rin ‘yong beach nourishment,” said Leones.
The beach nourishment project is expected to be completed in June or July.
Some groups have criticized the government’s continued dumping of crushed dolomite in parts of Manila Bay at the height of the COVID-19 cases in the country.
The Pamalakaya fishermen’s group said that people need a second dose of vaccine and not the second dose of dolomite.
It is also said to be outside the Supreme Court’s order for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.
“Dapat i-rehabilitate ang Manila Bay, i-rehab, ibalik sa dating pangisdaan at ligtas na languyan. Wala pong sinabi ang Supreme Court na tambakan ng dolomite,” said Pamalakaya Chairman Fernando Hicap.
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