Fisherfolk in Navotas protested on June 8 against ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay, citing threats to livelihoods and ecosystems despite a 2023 government suspension.
Members of Pamalakaya-Navotas gathered at C4 Centennial Park to oppose projects including the 650-hectare Navotas Coastal Bay Reclamation Project by San Miguel Corp. and the Navotas City government. The action marked World Oceans Day and highlighted the removal of mussel farms since 2024, which Romel Escarial, president of Pamalakaya-Navotas, said has left families with little food for more than two years. The group linked the project to the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan and accused the Philippine Reclamation Authority of attempting to resume at least two projects in the bay. Fernando Hicap, national chair of Pamalakaya, stated that the authority disregards the suspension and expert findings on harmful impacts such as flooding and livelihood damage. A 2025 cumulative impact assessment commissioned by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources found that 21 projects could create 6,100 hectares of new land, disrupting water circulation and degrading habitats. Manila Bay spans 199,400 hectares and supports over 50 fish species, with average catches of 2 to 4 kilograms per hour recorded from April to October 2024.
