DENR divides Manila Bay cleanup into 4 areas

MANILA, Philippines — The cleanup of Manila Bay is a difficult challenge since it will involve four areas – Metro Manila and the provinces of Cavite, Bulacan and Bataan – according to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu.

 “We have divided the cleanup based on these areas but we will concentrate first here in Metro Manila. This is urgent because I believe that during habagat, dirt and garbage is blown in the west and stagnates in Manila Bay,” Cimatu said in a recent interview, referring to the southwest monsoon.

Cimatu said they would soon start checking on establishments, factories and creeks that dispose of wastewater into the bay. 

He said he is determined to close all establishments found violating environmental laws near and around Manila Bay.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will come up with remediation measures regarding the informal settlers living by the bay.

“They contribute to the waste that have accumulated in the bay. We need to look into that,” Cimatu said.

Earlier, Cimatu directed the Manila Bay Coordinating Council to draft a master plan for the rehabilitation efforts of the bay.

“In two weeks, we expect to receive the plan for the bay’s rehabilitation,” he said.

Aside from the DENR, 15 other government agencies will help draft the rehabilitation plan for Manila Bay.