Filipinos last week were surprised to see Manila Bay's dolomite beach getting a fresh coat of artificial sand for the summer as millions stayed at home due to a renewed surge of COVID-19 infections.
But how did a fresh supply of dolomite reach the site dubbed as "Manila Bay Sands"?
It was made possible by a "special permit," said Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia who oversees the province where the "white sand" comes from.
The permit, which Garcia said was supplied upon the request of Environment Sec. Roy Cimatu, was issued despite a prevailing "cease and desist" order against dolomite mining in Cebu province.
"I did not lift that [cease and desist order], however, we gave an exemption upon the request of Sec. Cimatu because they need it to finish that Manila Bay project," Garcia said in a press conference on Monday.
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Garcia said she issued a letter to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources last Dec. 11, 2020 to allow the shipment of dolomite to "expedite" the completion of the Manila Bay rehabilitation project. It was probably only this year that the shipment was made, she added.
"I write to inform you that the provincial government of Cebu shall permit the shipment of 8,600 cubic meters of 2 to 5 mm-sized dolomite sand and 6,600 cubic meters of 10 to 22 mm-sized dolomite pebbles from Dolomite Mining Corp. in the Municipality of Alcoy to Manila Bay for the completion of the rehabilitation program," a portion of the Dec. 11, 2020 letter stated according to Garcia.
It can be recalled that in September last year, Garcia issued a "cease and desist" order against Dolomite Mining Corp and Philippine Mining Service Corp--firms that source and process the sedimentary rocks that are being pulverized to blanket a portion of Manila's bayfront.
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Garcia clarified that the special permit was only meant for a "limited" shipment to finish the Manila Bay rehabilitation project.
The patch of artificial white sand on Manila Bay has triggered public criticism, what with its price tag and reason for being, and even became a rallying point for critics of the government.
Government officials have said the white sand beach was built for the mental health of millions under quarantine.
