Why is it that in this country, when we are clearly dealing with different parts of the same ecosystem, the government cannot seem to synchronize its efforts? Manila Bay is a perfect example. Here we have three interconnected concerns — reclamation, rehabilitation, and flood control. Yet each is being pursued in silos, as if they are unrelated. This is not a new issue. In fact, it was left hanging when then Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga was replaced by Secretary Raphael Lotilla at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). So now I ask: what is Secretary Lotilla going to do about this?

Señeres, I. (2026, February 10). Let’s synchronize Manila Bay reclamation, rehab and flood control. Panay News, p. 8.