By Tracy Cabrera
PORT AREA, Manila — Public Works Secretary Vivencio ‘Vince’ Dizon has ordered all projects being conducted near the Laguna de Bay to be stopped as the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) issued a directive for their immediate suspension.
This came after the PRA cited that the said projects may involve unauthorized reclamation, thus prompting a thorough review of infrastructure works in the area.
Accordingly, Secretary Dizon instructed the DPWH Metro Manila 1st District Engineering Office to immediately cease work on projects covered by the PRA directive.
Last August 17, the PRA sent a letter to the public works chief to ask the DPWH to stop all unauthorized reclamation and infrastructure projects near the Laguna de Bay area in Taguig City.
Dizon said the PRA directive covers activities such as filling, dumping or depositing soil, rocks, dredged materials and other construction materials into the lake; building embankments; creating additional land; and converting submerged areas that may effectively result in reclamation.
According to the PRA, such activities require government approval, authority, clearance and environmental compliance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“Reclamation projects and reclamation components of infrastructure and development projects, whether undertaken by national government agencies, government corporations, local governments or private proponents, are subject to regulatory review and approval,” the regulatory agency pointed out.
A multi-purpose building being built near a park and recreational facilities at the Lakeshore Taguig complex has become the subject of a political controversy following allegations by Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson that the Taguig local government conducted illegal reclamation along Laguna de Bay.
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