Mayor Estrada signs new Manila Bay Reclamation Project Memorandum

Manila Bay

The City of Manila under the administration of Former President and now Mayor Erap Estrada has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and the Waterfront Manila Premier Development Inc (WMPD) to construct “Manila Waterfront City” – a new 318-hectare man-made mixed-use island off the shorelines of Roxas Boulevard.

Former President Estrada said that his administration’s Reclamation Projects as “The cornerstones of our urban renewal program.” Estrada believes that the new island would “Translate to more lands, better infrastructure, more business, more jobs, increased revenues, and better opportunities for all”

WMPD President Kenneth Gatchalian described “Manila Waterfront City” as a self-sustaining “Breathable” community that will be host to commercial centers, residential buildings, government offices, schools, high-class hotels, entertainment facilities, casinos, museums, aquatic and amusement parks for water sports, and an international cruise ship port;  while integrating the “Historic content and character” of Manila. “The inspiration here is basically expanding what the city of Manila has right now which is its historic character… the concept is basically extending Luneta and sticking to the historic content of Manila which in itself is what it is known for” said Gatchalian.

Gatchalian expects the reclamation project  to finish its documentation stage and start actual reclamation by 2020.

Manila Waterfront City is the 4^th Reclamation project to be entered into by the City of Manila. Former President Estrada signed MOUs for the construction of “Horizon Manila” which, at 419-hectares, is the largest reclamation project that will be done in the City of Manila; UAA KInming Group Development Corporation’s  407 hectare “New Manila Bay International Community”, and; R-II Builders Inc.’s PhP7.4 B expansion of the Manila Harbour Centre in Tondo.