Pamalakaya welcomed the publicized initial results of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) study that confirmed its long-standing assertion about the effects of reclamation projects in Manila Bay.

The DENR-commissioned UP Marine Science Institute (MSI) study stated that dredging in Manila Bay causes irreversible damage.

“Fisherfolk have long been proving the dangers posed by reclamation to livelihood and the environment,” according to Pamalakaya. “Nevertheless, we are pleased with the positive results of the scientists’ study led by UP-MSI.”

In the initial report shared to the public, scientists identified the effects of numerous reclamation projects in Manila Bay on flooding in Metro Manila. It said that any alterations to this will affect water circulation, not only in Manila Bay but in the drainage system of adjacent cities.

The DENR secretary himself admitted that flooding is a crucial issue, and that companies involved in reclamation have no comprehensive flood plan. These also have no plans regarding the traffic that reclamation will create, where it will source water and electricity, and waste disposal system.

DENR admitted the reclamation’s “potential” damage to livelihoods and displacement of residents around Manila Bay.

In reality, hundreds of fisherfolk have already experienced a drop in livelihood, according to Pamalakaya.

“In Navotas, thousands of hectares of mussel farms have been removed to give way to the reclamation project. Many fisherfolk who depend on this have gone bankrupt and fallen into extreme poverty,” it said.

Fisherfolk were dismayed that the DENR waited for the loss of fisherfolk’s livelihood and destruction of Manila Bay before releasing the study.

They hold the DENR accountable for turning a blind eye to the already strong bases to immediately stop the devastating reclamation. They said that the department has a big responsibility for the damage reclamation and dredging already brought to the environment, marine resources, communities, and fisherfolk’s livelihood.

Meanwhile, the Kalikasan group insisted on the immediate publication of the entire UP-MSI study.

“The long time spent by scientists will be useless if the results of their study are will not completely stop the destructive reclamations in Manila Bay. DENR should take immediate action by canceling all environmental permits for said projects,” according to the group.