"Who can blame our fellow Filipinos for crowding along the boardwalk and at the overpass?"
"Who can blame our fellow Filipinos for crowding along the boardwalk and at the overpass?"
Hundreds of people went to see for themselves the controversial Manila Bay White Sands beach along Roxas Blvd. on Sunday and discovered what a truly laudable project the government has accomplished.
One can see the sheer excitement of those who got a glimpse of the “work in progress” mounted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Who can blame our fellow Filipinos for crowding along the boardwalk and the overpass near the U.S. Embassy to take a selfie or groupie at Manila’s latest attraction?
Unfortunately, members of Manila’s Finest on duty at the time had to take the blame for the people’s failure to observe social or physical distancing.
The reclamation area artificially filled with dolomite material from Cebu province, is only 24 percent complete. Still, it is evident how it can contribute to the great scenery and ambiance of Manila Bay, said DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda.
I cannot agree more with Usec. Antiporda. Beyond the aesthetic value, the white-sand beach offers poor Metro Manila residents an experience only privileged Filipinos and foreigners get in expensive tourist destinations like Boracay Island and Palawan.
Now the White Sands is the best spot from which to watch the famous Manila Bay sunset.
The DENR’s P389-million project also proves that the administration is determined to save and rehabilitate the historic Manila Bay in joint efforts with the local governments units (LGUs) of cities and towns along the coast, as well as other government agencies.
Manila Bay’s rehabilitation, said to be an “impossible” task, followed the reopening of a Boracay Island, which regained it pristine condition through a six months closed-door rehabilitation work.
I share the optimism of Usec. Antiporda that the White Sands project shows a ray of hope in restoring Manila Bay to its glory though it may take years to realize.
I think it also offers an opportunity to Metro Manila residents to commune with nature and learn environmental conservation.
Contrary to critics’ claim that the reclamation and use of dolomite may be detrimental to the natural environment, the white sands instantly provided a sanctuary to several flocks of migratory birds, such as the white egrets.
A large flock of the white long-necked, long-legged migratory birds were seen feeding on fish along the coastal waters.
In essence the Manila Bay White Sands is actually giving back to nature what is originally theirs.
I hope this is what lurked in the minds of those hundreds of people who came to see it on Sunday.