Pasay reclamation substantially complied with DENR requirements — Loyzaga

Reclamation projects under the Pasay Eco-City Coastal Development have
substantially complied with qualifications set by the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR).

Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga confirmed this in a Palace briefing on
Wednesday, Nov. 29.

“There were several technical conferences called because there were some findings
and observations. And after they complied with what was required, documentation-wise
and then review-wise, as well, overall. The DENR actually submitted a report and they
had in fact substantially complied,” Loyzaga said.

The DENR secretary also clarified that there were two assessments undertaken by the
department over the reclamation project, which they have complied with.

“There are two processes that DENR is undertaking, the first one is the compliance
review process. The compliance review process is taking a lot at the ECC (Environment
Compliance Certificate) and the area clearances of all those that were given the go
ahead to see whether they have actually complied with the conditions,” Loyzaga said.

“The second process if you will recall is the cumulative impact assessment. This is the
scientific analysis needed in order for us to determine what is the cumulative impact of
all these projects in terms of the fulfilment of the mandamus order by the DENR as the
lead implementing agency,” she added.

She also clarified that the DENR neither suspends nor lifts suspension on projects. 
“[W]hat we are able to do is evaluate and assess compliance. We do not suspend. We
do not lift the suspension. That is a matter for the PRA (Philippine Reclamation
Authority),” Loyzaga said.

The Pasay City government had earlier announced that the reclamation projects gained
clearance from President Marcos to resume.

The President, however, has yet to issue an official statement on the resumption of the
project.