Group seeks DENR stand vs Manila Bay reclamation

MANILA, Philippines — Fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) yesterday urged Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga to make a stand against the reclamation projects in Manila Bay.

“After getting the nod of the Commission on Appointments (CA), Loyzaga should perform her mandate in protecting the environment,” Pamalakaya said in a statement.

Loyzaga was among the Cabinet secretaries of President Marcos whose appointments were confirmed by the CA on Tuesday.

“The group has sought the stand of the DENR regarding reclamation projects in Manila Bay, which threaten marine biodiversity and socioeconomic rights of small fisherfolk. But the DENR has yet to take a categorical stand on the issue so far,” Pamalakaya lamented.

The group said Loyzaga should use her expertise in climate disaster resilience by issuing “meaningful policy reforms” against environmental degradation.

Pamalakaya chairman Fernando Hicap said Loyzaga should order the DENR to conduct an onsite investigation on the dismantling of fishing structures for a reclamation project in Navotas.

The group said the dismantling of fishing structures would affect more than 1,000 fisherfolk and owners of baklad (fish traps) and mussel farms.