The Manila Times
FISHERFOLK from the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya-Pilipinas) Navotas chapter held a protest on Monday to demand the permanent cancellation of reclamation projects in Manila Bay. The group also opposed the 650-hectare Navotas Coastal Reclamation Project, a joint venture between San Miguel Corp. and the Navotas government. It said reclamation works deprived Navotas mussel farmers of income sources in 2024 when their tahungan (mussel farms) were removed. “Our families have had almost nothing to eat for over two years since our mussel farms were removed due to the reclamation. Primary livelihoods on the sea must be restored, and these destructive projects must be stopped completely,” said Pamalakaya-Navotas President Romel Escarial. The group added that the Navotas Coastal Reclamation project could lead to displacement, worsening floods, and environmental degradation in coastal communities. Pamalakaya also denounced the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) for pushing through with the resumption of at least two reclamation projects despite the suspension of all reclamation activities in 2023. Still ongoing are the Bacoor City and the Navotas Coastal Bay reclamation projects. Pamalakaya said the suspension should remain in force, citing a cumulative impact assessment from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that showed significant environmental and socioeconomic repercussions associated with the reclamation of Manila Bay. “The PRA is rushing to proceed with the reclamation, disregarding the ongoing suspension and experts’ studies on its (reclamation’s) adverse effects. The damage caused by the reclamation to the livelihoods of many fisherfolk in Manila Bay is not over. Even the widespread flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces is due to such projects,” said Pamalakaya National Chairman Fernando Hicap. The organization also called for the restoration and protection of fishing grounds and marine ecosystems, and the protection of small-scale fisherfolk and coastal communities. The group’s protest coincided with the celebration of World Oceans Day on June 8.
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