MANILA — The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA clarified that reported illegal reclamation activities are linked to unauthorized projects arising from improperly issued or misused lease agreements, and not from duly approved reclamation undertakings.

“Illegal reclamation activities stem from unauthorized projects arising from improperly issued or misused Foreshore Lease Agreements (FLAs) and Miscellaneous Lease Agreements (MLAs), and not from duly approved PRA reclamation projects,” the agency said in a statement.

The PRA explained that all authorized reclamation projects undergo strict technical evaluation, including hydrodynamic modeling and flooding studies, to ensure they do not obstruct natural waterways or worsen flooding conditions. Approved projects are also required to secure environmental and legal clearances, including an Environmental Compliance Certificate and area clearance from the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Addressing concerns over two specific reclamation projects in Pasay City, the PRA said both are within municipal waters and “independent technical studies confirm that these projects are not the cause of flooding or marine garbage accumulation.”

The agency also stressed that garbage pollution is primarily a solid waste management issue under Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and “should not be attributed to properly approved reclamation projects.”

The PRA reiterated its commitment to science-based, environmentally sound, and transparent reclamation practices, and to continued coordination with concerned agencies and local government units to support sustainable coastal development.