I promised to myself that I will avoid reacting again to our government's hilarious action because this can cause different arguments and misunderstandings among the Filipino users here in Read.Cash. But after several weeks of patiently ignoring the news, I can't control it anymore.
Today, I am here to state my opinion regarding to the action of Department of National Resources (DENR) on putting pulverized dolomite rocks as white sand on the shores of Manila Bay.
Duterte administration is burning with eagerness to rehabilitate the Manila Bay. This is not the first time that the administration has done this. Last April 26, 2018, Boracay Island is closed for 6 months. This has paved the way for the beautification of it. Many illegal establishments have been closed, the sewerage system has been fixed, and the level of coliform bacteria, the bacteria responsible for algae, has been brought to normal.
After the success of the said project, DENR chose the Manila bay for their next rehabilitation project. This has created a loud boom in the news. Almost all of the citizens are happy and talking about it. Many illegal establishments around the bay have been shut, the sewerage system has been, somehow fixed, and it has raised awareness to take care of our environment.
Many months have passed and the news about the rehabilitation of the Manila Bay has been gradually forgotten. Since then, the Filipinos have never received any updates about it.
Not until today when DENR announced that they will put white sands on the shores of Manila Bay. This has created clamor among the citizens. Being a man who always analyzes the situation and considers the greater good of the people, I am totally against it. And of course, I will not be against it without basis.
The storms and high tides may wash away these white sands.
The University of the Philippines Resilience Institute executive director Mahar Lagmay, stated that sands are always transported from one place to another. He added that this will be expensive if they will continue to replenish it as time goes by. Knowing that Manila Bay is violent when there's a storm, these white sand may be carried to the deeper part of the water.
Sand around the Manila Bay comes from the mountains and naturally dark grey, said the scientist.
The white sands may harm the health of people.
DENR said these are not real white sands. These are just pulverized dolomite rocks.
Vergeire said that medical studies have shown that the artificial “white sand” or dolomite dust may cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
“Ang sinasabi po sa studies, first ‘yung dolomite dust, kapag nag-aerosolize, it can cause respiratory issues or effects to a person. Also kapag napunta sa mata, nagkakaroon ng kaunting irritation so you just have to wash it off with water. Third, kapag na-ingest ito, it can have discomfort sa gastrointestinal system natin and magkakaroon lang ng kaunting pagsakit ng tiyan at pagtatae,” she said.
(According to studies, dolomite dust, when aerosolized, can cause respiratory issues or effects to a person. Also when this dust contacts your eyes, there is a possibility that there will be a little irritation. When this happens, you just have to wash it off with water. Third, when ingested, it can have discomfort in our gastrointestinal system and there will be only a little pain in the stomach and diarrhea.)
Source: https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineSTAR/photos/a.134754620011561/1929020653918273/
The money spent on artificial white sand can be used on more important things.
In an interview, Secretary of the Education Leonor Briones was asked if the money spent on Manila Bay's white sand was allocated to education, what will be the equivalent pieces of equipment can be bought?
Briones answered, "If for instance, the government will give P389 million to the agency, I’m sure a big part of that will go to gadgets."
She also added that the money can be used to print modules to distribute to places that are lacking in technology.
Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1332359/funds-for-manila-bay-white-sands-could-have-bought-gadgets-modules-for-studes-deped#ixzz6XMVPG6yp
Vice President Leni Robredo also said that the P349 million allocated by the government to transform a portion of Manila Bay can be used to feed 80,000 hungry families. She also added that it is indeed insensitive that it will be done during a pandemic where everyone is suffering.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque insisted that it can help to ease the mental health problems of Filipinos during these trying times. He also said that the budget was already approved last year (2019) as part of the beautification of Manila Bay.
Let us all remember that last March 25, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (RA 11469) which gave him emergency powers. In this provision, he can realign and reallocate the fund to ramp up the COVID-19 response in the country. So, if he was given the power to move the funds, why he didn't dare to use the budget in transforming Manila Bay in improving the COVID-19 situation? Imagine telling to your fellow countrymen that we don't have any budgets left but your administration keeps on spending on useless things.
It will not solve the real problem.
Based on the recent report of GMA News, tons of garbages are still seen on the shores of Manila Bay. A passerby reported the stinky smell is created by these garbages.
Pollution is the main problem of Manila Bay. DENR should focus on solving the root cause of it and not just giving a band-aid solution. Laying artificial white sand on the shore will not be helpful at all. It will just add aesthetics but it won't cover the fact that the real problem is still existing. Also, it is a total waste of money, given the reasons above.
The government should use the people's money wisely. If they want to fix the problems on Manila Bay, they should spend the money on long term solutions and not just on aesthetics. If they think that the white sand will somehow solve the problem, they should allocate the funds to other important matters instead.
What's your reaction and opinion about this matter? Kindly share it to the comment section. Have a good day!
Nice post