SUMMARY
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Netizens took to social media to vent their frustrations over the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), after it filled the Manila Baywalk with synthetic white sand as part of its rehabilitation efforts in the area.
Using memes, netizens took jabs at the government agency for what they considered a purely “aesthetic” move rather than a concrete solution to the environmental issues besetting Manila Bay.
For them, the move showed that the Philippine government appeared to be more interested in making Manila Bay “look like Boracay” than arresting the rapid rise in coronavirus cases in the country.
They also criticized the government for allotting its funds for the white sand project rather than for Filipinos in need of aid due to the pandemic.
After all, it’s just an estimated 1.5 million Filipinos possibly sinking into poverty due to COVID-19, right?
Their frustrations seem to be well-founded.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday, September 7, confirmed at a virtual news briefing that dust from crushed dolomite – the mineral used in creating the synthetic sand dumped in Manila Bay – may harm a person’s health when inhaled, ingested, or when it gets into one’s eyes. (Read: Health or aesthetics? DOH says dolomite dust can cause respiratory problems)
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, however, was quick to defend the white sand project, noting how the project could even improve the mental health of Filipinos during the pandemic.
“Sa gitna ng pandemya, kailangan din pangalagaan ang mental health. I think iyong pagpapasyal sa mga lugar kagaya ng Manila Bay na may white beach, hindi mo maku-quantify ang epekto niya pagdating sa mental health ng ating mga kababayan, ‘yung kapayapaan na mag-isip at ‘yung break,” he said.
(Amid the pandemic, we also need to take care of our mental health. I think visiting places like Manila Bay with a white beach, you can’t quantify its effect on mental health; on one’s peace of mind, and taking a break.)
Roque’s statement served as a cue to many netizens to further challenge the reason behind the project.
For one, they questioned whether individuals suffering from depression and other mental health issues should go to Manila Bay instead.
One netizen showed how some people have chosen to focus on the white sand project, completely disregarding programs where the money could have been put to better use, like mass testing.
– with reports from Loreta Arroyo, Lance Mejico, Niña Diño, and Khaela C. Vijar/Rappler.com
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