Año says dolomites to be used in Manila Bay project not considered danger to health

September 9, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday said the dolomites that will be used in Manila Bay are not considered dangerous to people’s health.

 In a TV  interview, Año said Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu explained during their Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) meeting that a finished product will be used

“The harmful are those dolomites during the crushing… the danger is when you inhale it… but this one it is three or four timesz the size of the sand so it will not be blown by the wind,” he said.

“The issue on the people’s health is already resolved because they are not considered dangerous or risky to the people's health… This will not only give a nicer view, but it could provide a safety buffer area for our citizens,” he said.

Though they were informed that it is not harmful,  Año  said they will leave the matter to the experts.

“If found to be harmful, then we can put a stop. But for now I’m inclined to really support the DENR ( Department of Environment and Natural Resources) under Secretary Cimatu,” he said.

On Monday, Malacanang defended DENR’s "white sand" project in Manila Bay, saying it has a budget allocation even prior to coronavirus pandemic as the project is also "beach enhancement," which can prevent soil erosion and help in flood control. Ella Dionsio/DMS