MANILA — A militant fisherfolk organization has strongly criticized the newly launched 318-hectare Manila Waterfront City reclamation initiative, warning that the massive venture will trigger severe and irreversible ecological degradation in Manila Bay while threatening the livelihoods of vulnerable coastal families.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamanalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) voiced deep opposition to the development, emphasizing that marginalized sectors would bear the brunt of the project’s adverse impacts.
“Another blow to Manila Bay’s ecosystem. While the Manila local government celebrates the launching of the 318-hectare reclamation project, the coastal and urban poor communities who depend on Manila Bay will bear the brunt of its irreversible destruction,” the group stated.
Drawing from scientific studies and the daily struggles of fishing households, Pamalakaya asserted that land reclamation initiatives inherently offer zero benefits to traditional fishers and marine ecosystems.
The group also pointed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ cumulative impact statement to back its environmental concerns.
“Even the DENR’s own cumulative impact statement affirms the environmental cost of reclamation. And yet Manila Mayor Isko Moreno still pushes through with the project,” Pamalakaya added.
In response to the undertaking, the organization mobilized residents, urging urban poor communities and fisherfolk inhabiting areas such as Baseco, Isla Puting Bato, and Parola to stand against the development.
“We call on the fisherfolk and urban poor residents in Manila especially those in Baseco, Isla Puting Bato, and Parola, to reject this project of corporate aggression and plunder,” the group said.
The controversy follows the formal launch of the 318-hectare project on October 12 at the Rizal Park Hotel in Ermita, Manila, where City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso expressed total backing for the commercial venture.
According to local government details, the project is a public-private partnership with Waterfront Manila Premier Development, Inc. (WMPDI) and operates alongside the Philippine Reclamation Authority, with AECOM serving as the master planner.
Costing an estimated ₱76 billion and targeted for completion within six years, the mixed-use hub aims to incorporate commercial, tourism, lifestyle, and public recreational spaces along the bay.
The city administration noted that the venture will follow a 51-49 land-sharing scheme favoring the government and is projected to yield roughly one million jobs across retail, hospitality, construction, and tourism.
Furthermore, planners stated that the updated blueprint includes a 250-meter shoreline setback compliant with National Historical Commission of the Philippines guidelines, alongside approximately 95 hectares dedicated to green and open public spaces.