Assess economic impact of Manila Bay reclamation projects --- NEDA
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)may need to evaluate the suspended reclamation projects at Manila Bay for their possible impact on the economy and society, Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said on Wednesday, Aug. 23.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan speaks to the media about the Manila Bay reclamation projects. (Presidential Communications Office/Contributed photo)
During a Palace press briefing, the official disclosed that NEDA was “not party” to the approval of the projects despite big infrastructure projects being part of the agency’s mandate.
The reclamation projects were approved by the previous Duterte administration.
“We are not party to the approval of these reclamation projects,” Balisacan told reporters.
He added that even with the suspension meted by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on the reclamation projects, NEDA's views “have not been sought for advices or for our perspective.”
“But we'll ultimately have to be involved, as you know, NEDA approves big infrastructure projects particularly those that will have impact on the economy and society and in the case of Metro Manila, the whole of Metro Manila,” Balisacan explained.
“Given the significance and importance in our socio-economic landscape of Metro Manila, NEDA should be part of that exercise (inspection),” the NEDA chief stressed.
The suspension of the Manila Bay reclamation projects came on the heels of environmental concerns raised by various groups, as well as the massive flooding suffered by residents of nearby provinces.
President Marcos earlier suspended all of the 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay, which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said were approved during the previous Duterte administration.
The DENR has assembled a team of scientists and experts for a cumulative assessment of the environmental impact of the reclamation activities at Manila Bay in view of the recent flooding that happened in Bulacan and Pampanga.