International marine conservation group Oceana criticized the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) after the agency claimed that reclamation projects could help ease flooding, calling the claim “reprehensible” and unsupported by science.

Oceana Vice President Von Hernandez said the PRA’s position ignores both scientific data and natural processes.

“Oceana is alarmed by the reprehensible claims of the Philippine Reclamation Authority that reclamation will help ease flooding which reflects its continuing stance of ignoring science,” Hernandez said.

“The law of nature and science dictate that reclamation is the cause, not the panacea to flooding. It brought the people deeper into poverty and hunger,” she went on.

According to Oceana, reclamation projects have long disrupted natural water flow by blocking river tributaries and waterways that should empty into the sea.

Even without reclamation, several coastal areas in Metro Manila are already sinking, with land subsidence expected to worsen if these projects continue, Hernandez added.

Moreover, the conservation group cited sea level rise as a compounding threat that places coastal communities in greater danger.

“Reclamation projects permanently destroy coastal habitats denying the fisherfolk of their source of livelihood. These projects cut down the mangroves and crushed the corals and spawning grounds of fish and other organisms,” Hernandez pointed out.

“Those who were displaced from their livelihood were also made to suffer from the resulting flooding and its impact on their health and well-being.”

Oceana challenged PRA Chairperson Alex Lopez to provide evidence supporting his claim that reclamation can mitigate flooding.

“PRA Chairperson, Mr. Alex Lopez needs to present proof to support his claims. We advise him to seriously consider the cumulative impact assessment report done by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Manila Bay before promoting reclamation projects,” Hernandez said.

“Flooding is on top of the impacts cited in the report,” she stressed.

‘Reclamation worsens flooding’

The DENR disclosed in April that Phase 1 of the Cumulative Impact Assessment, completed with help from the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF), showed that reclamation threatens Manila Bay’s fragile ecosystem.

Oceanographer Charina Lyn Repollo of MERF warned that flooding in nearby communities may also get worse as reclamation increases backflow and the height of floodwater.

“Reclamation will worsen flooding by increasing backflow and flood height. In the lowland areas, reclamation may increase both coastal and inland flooding. This is because reclamation impedes the flow of water into Manila Bay,” the underscored in her report.

She noted that water circulation is slowing down due to ongoing reclamation, leading to more pollution in the inner areas of the bay.

MERF added that reclamation is threatening fisheries in Manila Bay by causing the loss of fishing grounds, destruction of fish habitats, and worsening water quality that could lead to red tide.

Earlier, the PRA pushed the idea that reclamation projects can help address flooding in the country.

Fisherfolk group Pamalakaya called the claim “a big lie and deception.”

Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation, has repeatedly urged the government to halt destructive reclamation activities in Manila Bay and other coastal areas.