An environmental group on Monday urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fully disclose the studies and results of consultations they had carried out before proceeding to develop an artificial white sand beach on the rocky shore of Manila Bay. In a statement, EcoWaste Coalition said the DENR and the DPWH should make public all information on the steps they had taken that led to the government’s decision to spend P389 million in taxpayer money to build the artificial beach. Pending the disclosure, the group said, the two departments should stop developing the project, given evidence showing that dolomite — a type of calcium magnesium carbonate mineral pulverized to make the artificial white sand — can cause respiratory illnesses and is categorized as a potential carcinogen.

Subingsubing, K., Yee, J., Agoncillo, J. A., & Aurelio, J. M. (2020, September 8). Full disclosure sought on Manila Bay white sand project. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A4.