It has been a year since over 10,000 volunteers came together to participate in a massive clean-up activity of Manila Bay. Called the ‘Battle for Manila Bay’, the rehabilitation effort enjoyed the financial and working support of the government.
This initiative was formed with the goal of rehabilitating, restoring and maintaining the historic bay to a level fit for swimming, as mandated by the Supreme Court’s 2008 mandamus.
(Before vs After: What Manila Bay looks like post-cleanup and how we can keep it this way)
Over a year later, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) can report a significant improvement in the water quality of major outfalls directly draining into Manila Bay. DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu cites that what used to be extremely high fecal coliform levels have drastically decreased.
Climatu cited the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) data to back this up. He explained that the Padre Faura outfall went from its pre-rehab record of 7.21 million most probable number per 100 milliliters (mpn/100ml) to 920,000 mpn/100ml.
(‘Dead Whale’ Seen Near Manila Bay)
The Raja Soliman/Remedios drainage outfall went from 35 million mpn/100ml down to 11 million mpn/100ml. While the Manila Yacht Club outfall went from 110 million mpn/100ml to 54 million mpn/100ml.
Still, the DENR remains realistic about the work that is left to do. The standard fecal coliform level that they aim for in Manila Bay is 100 mpn/100ml based on its classification as “Class SB” coastal and marine water.
In continuation of their efforts, the DENR has set up a new sewage interceptor and treatment plant by the Manila Yacht Club. They will also launch the Solid Waste Management Advocacy Program, which aims to increase awareness on waste segregation, reducing garbage and raising cash from trash.
What do you think about this?
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