Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 26) — The new chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said he would continue the controversial “white sand” project in Manila Bay.
In a statement released Saturday, DENR officer-in-charge Secretary Jim O. Sampulna said he is committed to continuing the priority projects of former Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, including the multimillion-peso dolomite beach.
“We can now see the beauty of Manila Bay. Maybe only around 500-600 meters of the Manila Bay is yet to be laid down with dolomite sand,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.
“I intend to continue that project because that is our commitment to our dear President,” he added.
Sampulna, who was formerly DENR undersecretary, was appointed to the agency’s top position after Cimatu resigned due to “health reasons”.
He claimed Cimatu’s projects “made a huge impact on the Filipino people”.
“What I can commit is, our initiatives in the next four months, we will do these for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Sampulna said.
In addition, the Boracay rehabilitation project will continue under his leadership.
“Meanwhile in Boracay, since it is also the commitment of the DENR to President Duterte, we intend to continue that,” he said.
