Residents of the capital city need access to "beautiful" beaches even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Monday, as the government drew flak for dumping white sand on the bay walk of Manila Bay. While the dumping of synthetic white sand on the bay walk is primarily a "beautification" project, Roque said it is also expected to help in flood control. "Itong beach enhancement po na ito ay para makaiwas sa soil erosion at para makatulong din po sa flood control. Although primarily it is beautification, mayroon din pong dahilan bakit ginawa yan, it is a [anti] soil erosion project," Roque said during a Palace press briefing.

Palace defends Manila Bay white sand 'beach enhancement' project. (2020, September 8). Daily Guardian, p. 10.