Roy Cimatu inspects waterway, Manila Zoo ahead of cleanup
MANILA, Philippines — Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu yesterday led the inspection of a polluted estero and the Manila Zoo as part of preparations for the cleanup of Manila Bay, which starts on Jan. 27.
Cimatu said Estero de San Antonio de Abad directly drains into the bay through an outfall at the Manila Yacht Club.
The estero had a 1.3 billion most probable number (MPN) per 100 milliliters fecal coliform content the last time the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) tested the water, he said. The safe level is 100 MPN per 100 ml.
Cimatu stressed that rehabilitation of Manila Bay will be integrated.
“It will include cleanup of all esteros, Laguna Lake and all the outfalls,” he said.
Cimatu also warned that establishments surrounding Manila Bay “should have their own sewage treatment plants” or face sanctions.
He also inspected the Manila Zoo, which is near the estero. Zoo officials admitted they do not have a sewage treatment plant. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said they “are doing everything to correct the problem.”
Estrada said he ordered city administrator Ericson Alcovendaz to ensure that all buildings owned by the city government, including the zoo, have proper waste disposal systems. – Jose Rodel Clapano
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