Oceana Condemns Philippine Reclamation Authority's Flooding Claims as Unscientific

The international marine conservation organization Oceana has strongly criticized the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) for asserting that reclamation projects could reduce flooding risks. Oceana Vice President Von Hernandez condemned the claim as "reprehensible" and lacking scientific basis.

Hernandez emphasized that the PRA's stance disregards established scientific data and natural environmental processes. She stated, "The laws of nature and science demonstrate that reclamation causes flooding rather than solves it. It has also exacerbated poverty and hunger among coastal communities."

Oceana outlined that reclamation initiatives interfere with natural water flow by obstructing river tributaries and essential waterways that drain into the sea. This disruption worsens land subsidence—a problem already affecting several coastal zones in Metro Manila—and poses increasing danger when combined with rising sea levels.

"Reclamation permanently destroys coastal habitats, depriving fisherfolk of their livelihoods," Hernandez said. "These projects decimate mangroves, crush corals, and eliminate spawning grounds, impacting marine biodiversity and human welfare alike. Communities displaced from their livelihoods also bear the brunt of intensified flooding and health challenges."

Oceana challenged PRA Chairperson Alex Lopez to present credible data supporting his flood mitigation claims. Hernandez urged him to heed the findings from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) cumulative impact assessment of Manila Bay before advocating for further reclamation work.

The DENR’s April report, completed with assistance from the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF), highlighted reclamation’s detrimental effects on Manila Bay’s fragile ecosystem. Oceanographer Charina Lyn Repollo of MERF warned that these projects increase flooding risks by elevating backflow and floodwater levels.

"Reclamation obstructs water flow into Manila Bay, intensifying both coastal and inland floods," Repollo said. She also noted that reclamation slows water circulation, contributing to pollution buildup in the bay's interior.

MERF additionally pointed out that reclamation threatens local fisheries through habitat destruction, degradation of water quality, and increased risk of red tide.

In contrast, the PRA has maintained that reclamation can help address flooding concerns nationwide. However, the fisherfolk group Pamalakaya denounced this position as "a big lie and deception."

As the largest international organization dedicated exclusively to ocean conservation, Oceana continues to call on the government to halt harmful reclamation activities in Manila Bay and other coastal regions to protect vulnerable ecosystems and communities.