Oil and water. That is the story of Manila Bay. Manila Bay, a natural harbor. It serves as the Port of Manila. The bay’s location along the western coast of Manila City allows easy export and import of goods. These go to and from neighboring countries.
Manila Bay has a coastline of 190 km. Its baywalk is about 2 km long. The baywalk runs along Roxas Boulevard. It is best known as a sunset watching area. You get a clear view of the sun setting. It sets behind the horizon from the baywalk. People dine at restaurants. They visit cafes and bars. All this happens while enjoying the scenic view of Manila Bay.
Manila Bay has served as a major trading port. It became the venue for historic battles. The Battle of Manila Bay was a war between Spain and America. It continued for over 200 years. American troops defeated the Spanish army in 1898. Manila Bay was the site for the liberation of Manila. This occurred when Japanese forces were ousted at the end of World War II.
The best time to visit Manila Bay is a few minutes before dusk. Dusk usually starts around 5 to 6 PM. The baywalk is open all year round. It is best to visit during the dry season. This generally starts in December and lasts until the last weeks of May. There are fewer chances of tropical storms during these months.
Manila Bay is strategically located. It facilitates commerce and trade between the Philippines and other countries. It became the gateway for socio-economic development. This was even prior to Spanish occupation. Manila Bay covers 1,994 km2. It is bounded by Cavite and Metro Manila on the east. Bulacan and Pampanga are to the north. Bataan is on the west and northwest.
Manila Bay drains approximately 17,000 km2 of watershed area. The Pampanga River contributes about 49% of the freshwater influx. It has an average depth of 17 m. The bay has a total volume of 28.9 billion cubic meters. The entrance to Manila Bay is 19 km wide. It expands to a width of 48 km.
The islands of Corregidor and Caballo divide the entrance into two channels. Mariveles, in Bataan province, is an anchorage. It sits just inside the northern entrance. Sangley Point is the former location of Cavite Naval Base. Volcanic peaks top both sides of Manila Bay. Bataan Peninsula is 40 km to the north. Cavite province is to the south.
Several islands lie across the entrance to Manila Bay. Corregidor is the largest. It is located 3 kilometers from Bataan. It separates the mouth of the bay into the North and South Channels. El Fraile Island sits in the south channel. Carabao Island is outside the entrance. Fort Drum sits on El Fraile. The United States Army constructed this island fortress. It was built to defend the southern entrance of Manila Bay.
Manila Bay was connected to Laguna de Bay approximately 3,000 years ago. Interaction between Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay occurs through the Pasig River. The bay has a proud historic past. It has abundant marine life. Manila Bay became the ocean portal and Filipino epicenter for government, economy and industry.
Three surviving Russian protected cruisers made port in Manila in 1905. This occurred during the Russo-Japanese War. The US was neutral. The warships and their crews remained interned by the US. This lasted until the war officially ended in September 1905. Japanese forces captured Corregidor Island during World War II.
The bay remains important for commerce and industry. This includes fishing. Rapid urban growth and industrialization are contributing to a decline in water quality. Marine habitats are deteriorating. Manila Bay is a popular destination for walks. People enjoy viewing the sunset. Much of the land fronting the bay along Metro Manila is reclaimed land. It now includes important sites such as the Philippine Senate and the Mall of Asia.
The sea walls of Manila Bay were destroyed by Typhoon Pedring in 2011. The United States Embassy, Museo Pambata and Sofitel Philippine Plaza were submerged by flooding. The sea walls were reopened to the public in April 2012. They were redesigned to withstand a strong storm surge.
Coastal and marine habitats include upland forests, mangrove, mudflats, sandy beaches, sea grass and coral reefs. A total of 19,139 birds were observed. The endangered Chinese Egret was sighted. A large number of migratory birds were once abundant.
The mangrove ecosystem around Manila Bay has both ecological and socioeconomic uses. Mangroves help protect against cyclones and storms.
Manila Bay’s shoreline has changed due to soil erosion. Seawalls and breakers prevent erosion in some parts of the bay. Ports contribute to sea-based pollution. Oil spills have occurred. Trace metals have been found in the water. Pesticide residues also pollute the bay.
Global warming poses a great threat. Sea level could rise by 2100. This threatens development and population. The Philippine Country Study addresses climate change. Challenges include environmentalism and global warming awareness.