Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu was elated by the “overwhelming” support of the public who were eager to see the dolomite-covered Manila Bay beachfront last weekend.
He also expressed his gratitude to President Duterte for recognizing the efforts of the Manila Bay Task Force led by the DENR to clean up the Baywalk area, particularly the overlaying of artificial white sand on the beach.
“It is very encouraging and fulfilling to get positive feedbacks from the public, much more to receive a commendation from the President. For us, it is an affirmation that we did the right decision to pursue the beach nourishment project,” Cimatu said in a statement.
The DENR chief believes that supportive views outnumbered criticisms over the beach nourishment project, which is an important component of the Manila Bay rehabilitation program.
“We, in the DENR and Manila Bay Task Force believe in the principle of vox populi vox dei, which says the voice of the people is the voice of God,” Cimatu said.
“The majority of the people have spoken, and they are supportive of the project,” he added.
He said seeing throngs of people at Manila Bay last weekend to get a glimpse of the white sand beach was a strong indication that the project enjoys overwhelming public support.
However, Cimatu lamented the failure of the crowd to observe proper physical distancing with their eagerness to see the white sand beach.
“We are saddened by the overcrowding of people along Manila Bay, without observance of physical distancing. But somehow, we felt vindicated from the accusations and negative claims that the Manila Bay rehabilitation is artificial and harmful to human health and the environment,” he said.
Manila Bay is on its second phase of rehabilitation, the secretary said.
The third phase, according to Cimatu, is the hardest—changing the attitude and behavior of the people towards the environment.
This phase, if successful, would sustain all the efforts that have been done to bring Manila Bay back to its former pristine condition.