Protecting Manila Bay

Manila area church officials said proposed land reclamation projects in the metro area may not be environmentally sound and would likely affect the livelihood of the poor. Msgr. José Clemente Ignacio, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Manila, said a 365-acre proposed tourist city on an elevated platform in Manila Bay, to be called Solar City, is a particular concern for the church. “We see the dangers that it will cause to society, to marine life, to our food, for our livelihood, so all these things will affect us,” Msgr. Ignacio said in mid-February. “And because of man’s self-centered concept of development and growth and profit-orientedness, we do not see the effect it will have. Especially for the poor.” Msgr. Ignacio said Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home,” makes a clear connection between advocating for creation and social justice and how “capitalistic philosophies” have an impact on the environment and the poor.