A Glimpse Into History: Timeline of Manila Bay
From the top of the handsome hotels surrounding it, or even through photographs, its waters appear bluer than ever, as the cotton candy-like sky of pink and orange make it easy to forget what it has become. A dark slate green body of water enclosed by mountains of trash, Manila Bay helplessly attempts to reflect the golden sun. Having seen it myself up close and personal, piles of slippers and red and blue plastic bags have inhabited the trees around the bay.
Manila Bay has gone through a series of transformations, metamorphosing into the ideal leisure spot from a setting for war. So, how did it come to this: a cesspool of garbage, sewage, and bacteria. As much as I wish I was being hyperbolic, it seems as though majority of Manila Bay is made up of trash, making it hard to believe the Philippines once took pride in its clear blue waters.
The Early Years: Trade and War
Evidence suggests that thousands of years ago, Manila Bay was connected to Laguna de Bay, a larger body of water, until episodic uplifts along the West Marikina Valley Fault detached them. Thus, today, interaction between the two is made possible through only Pasig river.
Since the 1800s, Manila Bay, with its convenient location, was cherished by Filipinos who would strategically use it to trade amongst themselves and other nearby countries. Subsequently, it was one of the first steps towards productive commerce, allowing the nation to develop relationships with merchants, such as China. Later, when Spain colonized the Philippines, its waters became an avenue for wartime. It was the setting for the war between Spain and the United States, hence, the name, “Battle of Manila Bay.” On May 1, 1898, American troops led by Commodore George Dewey, attempted to establish dominance by claiming the area. Through this, they illustrated great naval strength, deteriorating all Spanish ships, despite having merely seven ships themselves. Evidently, the US was mechanically inclined, firing violently and ferociously from as far as 5, 000 yards away. In fact, only six American soldiers were wounded, reinforcing their superiority. The battle, lasting from five in the morning to half past noon, ended with four hundred casualties, ten Spanish warships gone, and the beginning of the American occupation in the Philippines, all thanks to the bay. However, Manila Bay was also known for battles like the Battles of La Naval de Manila in 1646 against the Dutch Republic. They miserably attempted to invade the country a total of five times, fighting each battle in Manila Bay. Alas, the Spanish forces, which was endorsed by several Kapampangan volunteers, neutralized the Dutch naval force, consisting of nineteen ships, with only three Galleon ships and four brigantines. Again, in World War Two, the battle between Japan and the Americans occurred on the shores of Manila Bay. This eventually led to the freedom of the Philippines from the Japanese. The US so badly sought to reopen Manila Bay that they had to take Corregidor from Japan to achieve this. In the midst of hundreds of casualties, conflict, and eventually, liberation, Manila Bay continuously played a crucial role bridging our nation to others; it has always been a symbol of recognition to other countries, which is why today, it is shame we are unable to glorify it the same way our ancestors used to.
The Early Years: Entertainment
During peacetime, on the other hand, Manila Bay was known for the breathtaking sunrises it offered. Soon, restaurants opened left and right, neighboring opulent hotels, nightclubs, and cocktail lounges. With its great expanse and silent waters, it was the epitome of allure amidst party scenes and smooth sailing. In 1934, the Manila Boat Club settled in Manila Bay, welcoming affluent members of society, whilst portraying itself as the epitome of prosperity. A more well-known club, Manila Yacht Club, too, used the location as means for enjoyment. People often treated it as a beach; swimming, then visiting a nearby restaurant was the pinnacle of tranquil afternoons. While the one-of-a-kind scenery lured successful business establishments, each time a building was made, a piece of the bay died. The Manila Zoo, is in fact, known to be one of its most vicious polluters. Early this year, the government unveiled high toxicity levels in the water from the zoo’s estero, connecting it to Manila Bay. Its management denies its negligence, whilst justifying its actions by claiming they were unaware of the need for a proper sewage system to discharge wastewater. Fortunately, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) inspection led to Manila Zoo’s installation of two water treatment facilities within its premises.
Rehabilitation Today
With countless businesses that have exploited the beauty Manila Bay once offered, the area has so evidently become polluted. Today, many informal settlers have positioned their homes adjacent to Manila Bay. Dozens of people jumped into its water daily, until it became far too contaminated to do so. Perhaps, both the relentless storms that we all know visit Manila regularly, and the improper disposal of waste have led to the “landfill” we know as Manila Bay today. Strewn plastic bags, shiny silver wrappers, and clear bottles helplessly wash up the shore, the sun glaring at them, as they contemptuously cling onto the sand. In spite of this, it is important to remember that it was not always like this. Foreign countries like the United States, once recognized the Philippines for the bay; it heavily contributed to the thriving commerce in the city today; a handful of dozens of leisurely activities from swimming to boating took place in Manila Bay. For many years, somehow, the Philippines has accepted this as a dead end, claiming we would never relive the entertainment it once served. However, early this year, the DENR plotted the “Manila Bay Action Plan,” wherein its waters are expected to be swimmable again by December.
The fate of Manila Bay remains to be in the works. Outlining the dramatic change it has undergone — from the perfect spot to watch colorful sunsets to a cesspool of trash — implicates the Philippines for its neglect. It is as though we owe it to the bay to re-establish the enjoyment and uniqueness it once offered. Without a collective attempt to minimize the abuse the area has endured, we will be unable to rejoice in the large body of water that has made a significant contribution to the economic and commercial growth of the country.
Sources:
Bulan, A. (2019, January 15) Major Manila Bay polluter Manila Zoo to build water treatment plants. Retrieved from https://nolisoli.ph/55321/major-manila-bay-pollutant-manila-zoo-build-water-treatment-plants-abulan-20190115/
De Guzman, N. (2019, January 11) Manila Bay: From Romantic Date Spot to a Cesspool That Needs Help. Retrieved from https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/manila-bay-history-a1729-20190111-lfrm
