THE ENVIRONMENTAL Management Bureau will hold a public consultation on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the Manila Bay reclamation project.
 
SM Mall of Asia on Manila Bay — BW FILE PHOTO
 
“The public hearing is being conducted in connection with the review of the EIA report,” read the notice of the attached agency of the Environment and Natural Resources Department in reference to a 360-hectare reclamation project, which has the Pasay City Government as its proponent.
 
Individual or stakeholder groups may participate in the public hearing by registering with the EMB central office either in person or via e-mail 
 
The public hearing is set on June 24 at the Cuneta Astrodome Conference room in Pasay City. 
 
In 2013, Pasay City awarded to SM Prime Holdings, Inc. a contact under the private-public partnership to reclaim and develop around 300 hectares (ha) in parts of Manila Bay within Pasay’s jurisdiction for P54.5 billion
 
The city will contribute to the joint venture its authority, rights and privileges to undertake the reclamation process.
 
The Pasay City government will not incur any expenses on the reclamation and development of the land but will be given 51% of the area to be reclaimed. 
 
The reclamation project is part of a bigger reclamation deal which also involves 300 hectares in Manila Bay awarded by the Parañaque City government. — Janina C. Lim