MANILA – Controversy hounded the move to use crushed dolomite boulders along a portion of the Manila Bay beach, a vital part of the bigger Manila Bay rehabilitation project spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). In September, the overlaying of the dolomite in Manila Bay beach or the beach nourishment project caught public attention, stirring curiosity and setting off waves of people flocking to the area to get a glimpse of the "white sands". Many criticized the project, throwing allegations at the DENR, calling the project a health hazard and a waste of public funds. But the DENR emphasized that the beach nourishment with the use of dolomite is a significant component of the rehabilitation aimed to protect the coastal resources in the area and prevent coastal flooding, erosion, and POLLUTION. Being a mineral, a naturally occurring chemical compound that is calcium magnesium carbonate, DENR said the dolomite is not detrimental to the ecosystems of Manila Bay, and is a known neutralizer that lessens the acidity of seawater making it popular for use in fish AQUARIUMS. As to the claim that the dolomites allegedly pose health HAZARDS to the public, the Department of Health also assured that “no untoward incidents will occur as a result of the endeavor”. The DOH said the dolomite material used for the project is 100 times bigger than dust, hence it does not get suspended in the air that would make it hazardous. The health said the “dolomite, in its bulk state, is not a known health hazard” and is not included in the list of carcinogens. The estimated cost of the entire Manila Bay rehabilitation project is PHP389 million, of which, around PHP28 million is allotted for the dolomite overlay. On claims that the project is a waste of public funds, Cimatu assured the public that the funds used for the project will not be PUT to waste as people expressed fears that the dolomite sands would simply be washed away especially during typhoons. He said engineering interventions were made to prevent the artificial white sand from being washed away. The project, he said, likewise passed the required environmental impact assessment. Despite the criticisms, many also expressed appreciation especially when people started flocking to have their pictures taken at the beach area. For many, this is a man-made white sand beach in the middle of the city, a FIRST in history seen by many, including the local government of Manila where it is situated, to boost local and international tourism and generate jobs for residents. The DENR said the beach nourishment project is more than just aesthetics. It said it is a strategy to promote pro-environment behavior among Filipinos with the hope that the white sand would inspire people to be more mindful of their obligation to help keep the Manila Bay clean. Explanation: