By NG Seruela
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday (Aug. 26) lauded Environment Sec. Roy Cimatu for his efforts in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.
In his public address, the President appreciated the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s beach nourishment conducted in Manila Bay despite the criticisms received by the department over the dolomite sand controversy.
“Dolomite is beautiful to the eyes, period. Huwag ka nang magtanong kasi hindi naman ninyo kaya kung kayo [ang gumawa].”
Duterte pointed out that only Cimatu “had the chance” to restore the beauty of Manila Bay.
“Ginagawa na nga ni Secretary Cimatu ang lahat para mapaganda ‘yung [lugar]…You had your chance, actually. For so many years, you had every chance to do it. Was there anybody willing to take the problem by its horns? Si Cimatu lang. Eh ‘di magpasalamat tayo. “
He also said that he “can vouch for the honesty and industry” of members like Cimatu.
Lahat ‘yang kaharap ko na military, puro ko kaibigan ‘yan. Hindi lang ‘yan basta kinuha ko, kilala ko. I can vouch for their honesty and industry. Military walang —hindi ‘yan pwede mag — utusan mo, mag-upo lang.‘Pag sinabi mo, “Do it in six months,” they did it in six months — Año and Cimatu.”
In relation to this, Cimatu explained that the dolomite is considered beach nourishment since it “cleans the water, prevents erosion, and expands the beach.”
“Ito po ‘yung mga interventions ng beach nourishment natin, itong dolomite. It is considered beach nourishment kasi malaking bagay na nagagawa niya diyan, nililinis rin niya ‘yung tubig, na-prevent rin niya ang erosion at saka ‘yung luwag ng beach ay napaluwagan.”
Meanwhile, Cimatu said the coliform target level of Manila Bay may be achieved by October this year. -rir
READ MORE: Manila Bay rehab to cut coliform level from millions to 100
