Manila Bulletin
Philippines
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Pamalakaya warns Manila Bay reclamation resumption may worsen flooding, threaten livelihoods
Philippines
National
Pamalakaya warns Manila Bay reclamation resumption may worsen flooding, threaten livelihoods
Pamalakaya warns Manila Bay reclamation resumption may worsen flooding, threaten livelihoods
By Jel Santos
Published Jun 5, 2026 01:23 pm
(MB FILE PHOTO)
Citing the ongoing cumulative impact assessment being conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), a fisherfolk group has opposed the reported resumption of several reclamation projects in Manila Bay, warning that the developments could worsen flooding and threaten coastal communities and livelihoods.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 5, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said all reclamation projects in Manila Bay should remain suspended pending the outcome of the assessment.
“We assert that all reclamation projects in Manila Bay should not push through amid the cumulative impact assessment of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, affirming its environmental and socio-economic costs,” the fishers’ group told Manila Bulletin.
“The PRA is detestable for undermining the existing suspension order and scientific studies against reclamation,” it added, referring to the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).
It is worth noting that no less than President Marcos himself ordered the suspension of all Manila Bay reclamation projects in August 2023 pending environmental and regulatory reviews.
However, Pamalakaya cited recent reports indicating that the suspension had been lifted for the Bacoor Inner Island project and the 318-hectare Manila Waterfront City project.
The group also claimed that the 650-hectare Navotas Coastal Bay Reclamation Project continues despite the suspension order.
Pamalakaya said the suspension status of Manila Bay reclamation projects should be upheld to protect communities that depend on the bay for their livelihood.
“One of the reclamation projects to be resumed is the reason why hundreds of fishing families in Bacoor City are under the threat of displacement,” the group said.
(MB FILE PHOTO)
Flood concerns
Pamalakaya Chairperson Fernando Hicap warned that reclamation projects continue to threaten the livelihoods of fishing communities in Manila Bay and contribute to flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
“Hindi natapos ang pinsalang dulot ng reklamasyon sa kabuhayan ng maraming mangingisda sa Manila Bay (The damage caused by reclamation to the livelihoods of many fisherfolk in Manila Bay has not ended),” he said.
“Maging ang mga malaganap na pagbaha sa kalakhang Maynila at mga karatig na probinsya ay dahil sa mga naturang proyekto (Even the widespread flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces is due to these projects),” he went on.
In January, the DENR said reclamation projects do not mitigate flooding and may even worsen it by obstructing the natural flow of floodwaters to Manila Bay, contrary to claims previously made by the PRA.
The agency said reclamation activities block waterways, making surrounding areas more prone to flooding.
The DENR statement came after the PRA floated the idea that reclamation projects could help address flooding in the country.
International marine conservation group Oceana earlier criticized the PRA’s assertion, calling the claim “reprehensible” and devoid of scientific support.
Oceana Vice President Von Hernandez said the assertion overlooked both empirical evidence and the natural processes governing water flow.
Pamalakaya likewise rejected the PRA’s position at the time, describing it as “a big lie and deception.”
(MB FILE PHOTO)
Call to abolish PRA
As such, the fisherfolk group renewed its call for the abolition of the PRA, accusing the agency of facilitating what it described as profit-driven and destructive reclamation projects in the country’s marine waters.
“Muli rin kaming nananawagan sa pagbubuwag ng PRA dahil sa pagiging instrumento nito ng malawakang pagkasira ng mga pook-pangisdaan at yamang-dagat (We also reiterate our call for the abolition of the PRA for being an instrument of the widespread destruction of fishing grounds and marine resources),” said Hicap.
Meanwhile, Pamalakaya said its members in Navotas City are set to stage a protest on June 8, World Oceans Day, against ongoing reclamation activities.
“Titiyakin ng mga mangingisda na sasalubungin ng malalakas na pagtutol at protesta ang nakaambang pagpapatuloy ng mga mapanirang reklamasyon (Fisherfolk will ensure that any impending resumption of these destructive reclamation projects will be met with strong opposition and protests),” Hicap said.
In December 2025, Pamalakaya joined a coalition of civil society organizations in opposing 10 proposed reclamation projects planned between Rizal Park and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
The coalition submitted a petition to the Office of the President urging the government to permanently halt reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
The groups argued that dredging and other reclamation activities could threaten marine ecosystems in the bay, including coral and fish species, contribute to water pollution, worsen flooding, damage marine biodiversity, and aggravate traffic congestion.