DENR thumbs up pyromusical event relocation to Clark

MANILA, Philippines — The relocation of the venue of the country’s annual international pyromusical competition has so far not recorded any negative effect on the environment, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said.

Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said initial tests in terms of solid waste management during the start of the 10th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition last Feb. 23 were negative.

“Results were negative within the 500 meter up to 1.5-kilometer area in terms of solid waste management,” he said.

“But, we also conducted air quality test over the weekend, we have one week to know if the toxicity level is not acceptable. But as of the moment, everything is good,” Antiporda added.

A few weeks ago, SM Supermalls said the 10th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition would take place in Clark in Pampanga amid the ongoing rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

“The bay area is very important in the cleanup measure and it is necessary to minimize all causes of pollution. They heeded our call to help us in the clean-up of Manila Bay and we are happy,” he said.

“We are not restricting anything on the fireworks, just not in Manila Bay,” Antiporda clarified.

Meanwhile, the government has already created an interagency Manila Bay Task Force that would harmonize and speed up efforts to rehabilitate the pollution-challenged water body.

The task force was created under Administrative Order 16 issued by President Duterte to ensure the “complete rehabilitation, restoration and conservation of the Manila Bay.”

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu will serve as the task force chair, while Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat as vice chairs.