PRA: 2 reclamation projects to resume soon

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) is optimistic that two key projects are likely to resume soon despite rising supply costs tied to the Middle East crisis and lingering suspensions.

“Two projects had their suspensions lifted, one is the Bacoor Inner Island. We’re just waiting, maybe by the third or fourth quarter, it will resume. Then, the Waterfront project was also lifted,” PRA assistant general manager Joseph Literal told The STAR.

The Bacoor Inner Island project, originally planned at 90 hectares, has been reduced to 67.4 hectares “due to legal claims in the area,” he said.

Meanwhile, the 318-hectare Manila Waterfront City is still working on pre-reclamation compliance, including nationality requirements for contractors.

These are on top of the ongoing reclamation works for the 360-hectare Pasay Reclamation and Development project in collaboration with SM Prime Holdings Inc. and the 265-hectare Pasay Harbor City Reclamation project.

Both projects are targeted for completion by 2028.

For 2026, PRA is targeting a net income of P653.91 million under a P13.98-billion corporate operating budget. It has total assets valued at P209.85 billion.

“We remain optimistic about the projects. We still need to generate revenues, even if the current focus is on savings, austerity and expenses. Since our projects have corresponding revenue streams, they will continue,” he said.

However, the agency faces hurdles amid geopolitical shock.

“First, the cost variations brought about by the Middle East war. Second, the challenges on walkaway clauses in contracts. But the biggest challenge remains the suspensions, which still exist,” Literally said.

The agency said that it is also worried about sourcing sand for reclamation projects amid supply issues and rising transport costs.

President Marcos has earlier suspended reclamation projects in Manila Bay to review their compliance with environmental regulations.

This allowed agencies to look into the environmental and social impact of the projects, amid staunch criticism from green and fisherfolk groups.