The clean up of Manila Bay kicked off last January 27 (Sunday). Thousands of volunteers and government workers came together to launch the rehabilitation effort. According to ABS-CBN, around 5,000 people were present.
5,000 volunteers at govt employees, pormal na sisimulan ang Manila Bay rehabilitation. pic.twitter.com/U7IT9ja6pU
— Jekki Pascual (@jekkipascual) January 26, 2019
While this was happening in Manila, simultaneous clean-up efforts were being made in various rivers or streams that flow into Manila Bay. These estuaries are located in Navotas, Las Piñas, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan. Below you can see volunteers gathered in Barangay Tawiran to begin the clean-up.
Photo c/o Kevin ManaloÂ
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has said it will take a good number of years before the rehabilitation can be completed. It will also need around Php 47 billion. This is because the damage done to Manila Bay is already so great. Its average fecal coliform level was at 330 million most probable number (mpn) which is 3.3 million times above the standard 100 mpn.
It also doesn’t help that both businesses and inhabitants nearby Manila Bay contribute to its pollution. It is estimated that around 40,000 families who live in the vicinity negatively impact the bay. Establishments have already been tasked to comply with environmental regulations.
Volunteers filled more than 300 bags of trash after about an hour
Rehabilitation efforts will continue on both an institutional and volunteer level. Local government units which occupy the area by Manila Bay are to initiate weekly clean-up sessions. Establishments and factories are to undergo inspections. Trash skimmers will be used by the public works department solely for Manila Bay.
Photo c/o Kevin Manalo
Regular citizens are called to be mindful of proper waste disposal, especially in the Manila Bay area. Volunteers will be welcome to any and all clean-up efforts. MMDA Chairman Danny Lim has announced that these sessions will take place every Saturday, starting at 7am along Baywalk for the foreseeable future.
(LOOK: Single-use plastics might soon be banned in the Philippines)
What more do you think can be done to rehabilitate Manila Bay?Â
Source: Photos from Kevin Manalo
