The world's largest "smart city" will be located in Manila Bay.

Efforts have been made in the past to restore Manila Bay to its former state, but none have shown significant results—at least not until recently. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has recently begun imposing more robust measures to restore the region, culminating in orders ordering the closure of locations such as the Manila Zoo and the suspension of services at certain well-known eateries. Completing the cleanup is simply the first step toward building the world's largest "smart city," New Manila Bay City of Pearl.

The development of the proposed metropolis was first mentioned in 2017. In November 2018, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto signed a memorandum of agreement to move forward with the proposal. A partnership lead developed the proposal for New Manila Bay City of Pearl by local enterprise UAA Kinming Group Development Corp., collaborating with an international mix of investors from China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and other places. It proposes a town featuring a central commercial district and housing, shopping, entertainment, medical, school, athletics, and other services.

Furthermore, the 407-hectare plan would require converting some of Manila Bay's waters to land, which has upset environmentalists in the Philippines.

In a Facebook post, the Earth Island Institute Philippines warned of the negative repercussions of reclamation efforts. "Not only is garbage devastation wreaking havoc on the city's coast; reclamation, an irreversible undertaking, poses a greater threat to the environment and the life of thousands of [fisherfolk] living in Mega Manila's coastal towns."

Some lawmakers have also expressed worries about Manila Bay reclamation projects, worrying that the current restoration may be a forerunner to reclamation. "Ano ang silbi ng rehabilitation mo kung magtatambak ka ng lupa ay 'yong tubig ng Manila Bay, 'yong look ng Manila Bay, 'yong pangisdaan ng Manila Bay, tatambakan mo ng lupa para itayo ang mga proyekto ng Build, Build, Build?"

According to an article in The Philippine Star, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo did not deny that reclamation would occur. Still, he also noted that reclamation projects would result in more jobs and money, helping the country's economy.

The Metropolis of Pearl is reportedly designed to be an innovative and wealthy city with green policies and renewable energy-generating characteristics. It is set to be released in 2035.

Because Metro Manila is still under lockdown and the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, the project's launch could be delayed or canceled, but we'll have to wait and see what happens next.

Thank you for reading.

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