Ang Pahayagan

NAVOTAS CITY — Fisherfolk from the Navotas chapter of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA-Pilipinas) staged a protest on Monday, June 8, in observance of World Oceans Day, opposing ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay, including the 650-hectare Navotas Coastal Bay Reclamation Project.

The protest was held at C4 Centennial Park in Navotas City, where participants expressed concern over the impact of reclamation activities on the livelihoods of coastal communities, particularly mussel farmers who were displaced by the project in 2024.

According to PAMALAKAYA, the reclamation project has affected the primary source of income of local fisherfolk and poses risks of displacement, flooding, and environmental degradation.

“Higit dalawang taon nang halos walang makain ang aming mga pamilya buhat ng tanggalin ang aming mga tahungan dahil sa reklamasyon. Dapat ibalik ang pangunahing kabuhayan sa dagat at tuluyan nang ipatigil ang mga mapanirang proyektong ito,” said Romel Escarial, president of PAMALAKAYA-Navotas.

The group also criticized the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) for allegedly pushing the continuation of reclamation projects despite the government’s suspension of such activities in Manila Bay.

PAMALAKAYA cited findings from the cumulative impact assessment conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which identified significant environmental and socio-economic effects associated with reclamation projects in the bay.

“Nagkukumahog ang PRA na magpatuloy ang reklamasyon at binabalewala ang umiiral na suspensyon at ang pag-aaral ng mga eksperto kaugnay sa masamang dulot nito. Hindi natapos ang pinsalang dulot ng reklamasyon sa kabuhayan ng maraming mangingisda sa Manila Bay. Maging ang mga malaganap na pagbaha sa kalakhang Maynila at mga karatig na probinsya ay dahil sa mga naturang proyekto,” said Fernando Hicap, national chairperson of PAMALAKAYA.

The fisherfolk organization said several reclamation projects continue to move forward despite the government’s announced suspension in 2023. Among the projects cited were the Navotas Coastal Bay Reclamation Project and a reclamation project in Bacoor City.

PAMALAKAYA reiterated its call for the permanent cancellation of reclamation projects it described as destructive, while urging authorities to protect fishing grounds, marine ecosystems, and the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and coastal communities.

As of posting, concerned government agencies and project proponents have yet to issue a statement on the group’s latest protest.

📸 PAMALAKAYA Navotas