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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Washing away of Manila Bay 'white sand' pure speculation – DENR

Washing away of Manila Bay 'white sand' pure speculation – DENR

Published Oct 9, 2020 08:51 pm

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Enforcement Daniel Nicer on Friday brushed off claims about the supposed disappearance of the dolomite white beach in the baywalk area of Manila Bay.

Nicer stressed that there was no substantial proof that a substantial portion of the dolomite white beach is being “washed away.”

He pointed out such conclusions or allegations should be based on the beach area and “volumetric area measurements” to determine if there was a substantial amount of white dolomite sand washed away from the Manila Bay white beach.

Apparently, Nicer said the baseless claims that the Manila Bay white sand beach was being washed away was based on mere speculations and wrong conclusions.

He theorized that this was brought about by the discoloration of the sand in certain areas of the Manila Bay white sand beach which went viral as observed from a distance by several groups, including some mediamen.

Nicer noted the photo taken that went viral was taken from the seawall, which is far away from the beach.

Stressing his point, Nicer said those who took the pictures were “into the perspective looking into the beach” seeing only portions of the beach which was still under construction and is “still not engineered to look perfect.”

“The portion is under development and is not intended to be perfectly covered with white sand,” Nicer said.

Nicer added that the portion is not intended to be permanent since additional white sand needs to be poured over the area.

Explaining further, Nicer said the discoloration of the 14-meter portion, around 63 to 65-meter long white sand beach is due to the “natural action of wash and backwash of grayish sand, stones, rocks, and other materials” that has piled over the white dolomite sand.

He stressed that some of the dolomite sand may have been “transported away elsewhere” but no data on its quantity to determine if it was substantial can be proven.

He added that photos taken by the DENR on September 21 and 24 showed that the disposition of dark materials in the white sand beach.

On October 7, Nicer said a greater amount of discoloration was seen in certain portions of the area where alternate low and high tides occur.

Nicer said that two inches of dark materials deposited on top of the white sand was observed when shallow holes were dug on the said areas.

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