NAVOTAS COASTAL BAY RECLAMATION PROJECT TO NEW MANILA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Navotas Coastal Bay Reclamation Project (NCBRP), also known as the Navotas Boulevard Business Park, is one of the largest reclamation projects in Manila Bay. It aims to create approximately 650 hectares of new land off the coast of Navotas City for mixed-use development. Key Facts Location: Offshore area fronting Barangay Tanza, Navotas City. Size: About 650 hectares of reclaimed land. Approval: Received approval from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and began development around 2019. Vision: A mixed-use district with residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, port-related, and tourism facilities. Developer/Partners: The project involves the Navotas City government and private-sector partners linked to the San Miguel group. Dredging work has been handled by the Belgian contractor Jan De Nul Group. Intended Benefits Supporters say the project could: Generate jobs and business activity. Expand port and logistics facilities. Increase local government revenues. Support infrastructure connected to northern Manila Bay developments, including access to the proposed airport developments in Bulacan. Controversies and Concerns The project has faced opposition from fisherfolk groups, environmental advocates, and some residents. Main concerns include: Loss of fishing grounds and mussel farms. Potential impacts on marine ecosystems and water circulation in Manila Bay. Possible effects on flooding and coastal resilience. Livelihood displacement among fishing communities. In 2023, debates intensified when the national government reviewed several Manila Bay reclamation projects due to environmental concerns, although officials and project proponents disputed whether certain ongoing activities fell under the suspension orders. Current Status Available reports and project updates indicate that reclamation work has continued in phases, with substantial portions of the reclamation area already visible from aerial imagery and drone footage. The project remains one of the most significant ongoing coastal developments in Metro Manila. If you're interested, I can also explain: