The plan to build the Philippine International Exhibition Center (PIEC), a Marcos regime infrastructure project on one of the islands to be built in Manila Bay, continues despite many sectors’ opposition to reclamation projects. The project is estimated to cost ₱27 billion and is said to be first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ “pet project.” It was previously under the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, but supervision was transferred to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2024.

The DPWH announced on March 23 the start of the bidding for the PIEC, set to rise in Pasay Harbor City (PHC), one of 25 reclamation projects in Manila Bay. PHC is one of two reclamation projects allowed to continue after the Marcos regime suspended other projects in 2023. This project is handled by Ulticon Builders, in partnership with Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. and the local government of Pasay City. Before this, the project was handled by Udenna Development and China Harbour Engineering Co.

PHC will reclaim 265 hectares to be formed into two islands. As of July 2022, approximately 117 hectares of land had already been reclaimed. However, soil in the first formed island is reportedly unstable, casting doubt on the plan for the second island. The entire project, including its facilities, is set to be completed by 2028 before the Marcos regime’s term ends.

The Marcos regime is pushing through with PHC and PIEC despite the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recent study that confirmed the long-standing criticism of fisherfolk and environmental groups against reclamation in Manila Bay.

The report conducted by scientists from the University of the Philippines emphasizes the potential negative effects of reclamation, such as habitat destruction, increased flood risk, and adverse effects on marine biodiversity. Besides this, fishermen have long asserted the negative effects of reclamation on their livelihoods and communities.