HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPEVINE: OUR NEW ABNORMAL
One of my columns last month (April 2nd), talked about the Manila Bay reclamation projects that are presently happening; and apparently, it touched a raw nerve with some readers who messaged me, asking why I wasn’t being more “protective” of our Manila Bay sunset. To be honest, that struck me as a strange comment, and seemed to reflect more on the person uttering it. Since when did acceptance of reclamation as a reality of Manila’s past and future development, equate to being anti-Manila sunset?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but the sunset isn’t going to disappear because of these developments; and if you’re talking about the glory, vibrant color, and spectacle that we enjoy as the fiery tropical sun sets on our horizon, and “touches” the sea, that isn’t going to vanish either. So are we actually talking about where you or I will be standing along the Bay to enjoy this sight? Because yes, that will change as these reclaimed developments come into play, but that isn’t to say we are losing these sunsets.
And in fact, I go back to some of the points I made with that April 2 GripeVine. Roxas Boulevard (originally called Cavite Boulevard) didn’t even exist until 1905, as it was a reclamation project of the US government. Before that time, the walled “city” of Intramuros could be seen from the Bay, and was adjacent to the waterline.
Our glorious Manila Bay Sunset.
The CCP, PICC, Folk Arts Theater, Sofitel, all of MOA, the Entertainment City of Solaire, City of Dreams, Okada, etc. – they all stand on reclaimed land; some dating back to the 1970’s, and some of much more recent “provenance.” Solaire opened its doors in 2013, but the reclaimed land it stands on existed way before that year.
The point being made is that hindsight affords us the perspective of appreciating just how reclamation may cause a furor or ruckus as the actual reclamation is being done; but when structures are built on it and time passes, we adapt and accept these properties as our new coastline. From the sea walls of Sofitel, to that of the Mall of Asia area, we can say we’ve basked in and enjoyed our Manila sunsets – but for older generations, these areas all existed as part of the Manila Bay; and not as dry, habitable land.
Who today will refuse to drive along Roxas Boulevard, refuse to attend events at the CCP/PICC, abstain on principle from enjoying evenings or weekends at Solaire, City of Dreams or Okada? If you’re truly anti-reclamation, staunchly object to reclamation on principle, be consistent and refuse to step on any of these reclaimed areas that are now seen as part of Metro Manila’s landscape and urban sprawl. To complain about the ongoing projects on absolute and non-negotiable terms, then accept the past reclamations as “fait accompli” and step foot on them, is like having your cake, then eating it too.
Now I am well aware that at one point, we were talking about 25 Manila Bay projects that extend from the city of Navotas, all the way to the province of Cavite. The Philippine Reclamation Authority has only approved six of these projects: Horizon Manila (Manila), Manila Waterfront City (Manila), Solar City (Manila), the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project (Navotas), Pasay Harbor Reclamation Project (Pasay), and the Pasay Reclamation Project (Pasay). The Manila City government approved four projects, while Pasay City approved two.
A toast to our Sunset, and what responsible reclamation may promise for the future of Metro Manila.
Expanding the natural and usable land of these cities of Manila, Pasay and Navotas is behind these reclamation projects. The Metro Manila Bay Sustainable Master Plan is a public document that can be reviewed online, so it’s not about hidden agendas. When the proponents of these approved projects stick to the plans, it should be about the improvement, rehabilitation and beautification of particular Metro Manila LGU’s. It’s fine to be wary of progress, to scrutinize and objectively assess change; but we also shouldn’t stand in its way, when it proves it’s worth, and opens up a world of exciting possibilities.
When resilience and sustainability are underlying linchpins of the approved projects, I’m certain that a better version of the Manila sunset could well be something we can look forward to. If new and improved public, open, and green spaces are part of the deliverables of these reclamation projects, then these could be something future generations of Filipinos will appreciate, and be thankful for. We’re not losing the sunset; as there may be better ways to enjoy it in the years, the decades, to come.