DENR seeks private firms’ help in Manila Bay cleanup

MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has asked more private firms to include in their corporate social responsibility programs the cleanup of Manila Bay.

Saying the DENR cannot rehabilitate Manila Bay alone, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in environmental initiatives.

Last week, the agency launched the P1-billion Tullahan-Tinajeros River dredging project.

The project involves the cleanup of the Tullahan-Tinajeros River from Barangay Catmon in Malabon to Barangay Bagumbayan South in Navotas City.

The DENR partnered with diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to make the project possible.

Cimatu said the dredging project is a “perfect example of a collaboration between the government and the private sector.”

“The commitment of SMC to help us in this enormous task magnifies the importance of shared responsibility. As we are all part of the problem, one way or another, we can all be part of the solution,” he added.

Cimatu expressed hope that the partnership with SMC would inspire other private firms to help in the cleanup of waterways.

The river system, which starts from La Mesa Dam in Quezon City, passes through the cities of Valenzuela and Malabon and drains into the Manila Bay at the Navotas Centennial Park.

SMC president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang said the company would shoulder the expenses, including manpower, to ensure that the project would be completed on time.

The project formalized SMC’s participation in the adopt-a-river program of the DENR as part of the continuing mandamus of the Supreme Court to clean up Manila Bay.