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TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES, QUEZON CITY

RESEARCH METHODS (AR436)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF LAND RECLAMATION AT MANILA BAY

SUBMITTED BY:
PARAICO, SHARRA LEXINE C.
AR42FA1
SUBMITTED TO:
ARCH. LAWRENCE DOLORES II
DECEMBER 27, 2014

Introduction
Land reclamation has played a significant role in the urban development process
in the coastal areas of many maritime countries. Some Asian countries reclaimed their
coastal area to solve their problem of land-shortage; the population was continuously
increased while our land is limited; as well as the demand for development and
infrastructures of housing, commercials, and business.
While reclamation provides valuable land for many coastal areas in the world, it
also creates environmental and ecological problems that could affect not only the area to
be used but also cities surround that area. Philippines is 5th longest coastline in the world
with a total land area, including inland bodies of water, of approximately 300,000 square
kilometers (115,831 sq mi). But because of the continuous increase of population and
demand for developments, local government and private sectors think that the only
solution to the problem is land reclamation.
Manila Bay, located at the city of Manila is frequently used for land reclamation, it
is a natural harbour which serves the Port of Manila on Luzon. Some developments are
done on the said area such as SM Mall of Asia, CCP complex, which includes the
Philippine International Convention Center, Folk Arts Theater, Manila Film Center,
Coconut Palace and Sofitel Hotel. Another 11 proposed reclamation project in Manila Bay
is being undertaken and opposing by some organizations and groups:

1. Cavite Coast (Sangley Point) Reclamation - 2,700 hectares


2. Manila-Cavite Tollroad Expressway Reclamation Project - 844 hectares
3. Navotas Business Park Project - 650 hectares

4. Las Pias-Paraaque Coastal Bay Reclamation - 635 hectares


5. Paraaque Reclamation Project - 300 hectares
6. Government Center Reclamation Project - 300 hectares
7. MCCRRP North Sector Reclamation - 148 hectares
8. Cavite Special Economic Zone - 68 hectares
9. Strategic Resource Facility - 60 hectares
10. Pasay City Reclamation Project - 60 hectares
11. BASECO Reclamation Project - 20 hectares

Largely intended for use in human settlement and industrial development, land
reclamation projects in Manila Bay contributed to the reduction of mangroves around the
area, as well as significant reduction in Metro Manila's shoreline. According to Goodland
(1995), a continuous development should consider three factors: environmental
sustainability, economic sustainability, and social sustainability.
Therefore, there was a need for a study on the environmental impact of reclamation
activities in Manila Bay and what would be the effect of land reclamation in Metro Manila
and cities surrounds Manila Bay.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to know the environmental impact of reclamation activities
in Manila Bay. The purpose of this study is to answer the following questions:
1. What are the impact of reclamation activities to the environment and ecological
status of Manila Bay?
2. What are the effects of reclamation projects in Metro Manila and cities adjacent
to Manila Bay?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of reclamation activities in Manila
Bay?
4. What are the alternatives aside of land reclamation to solve the problem in landshortage?

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