MANILA — Around 1,000 employees of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are set to join Sunday’s (January 27) kick-off activity to rehabilitate Manila Bay.
This, as the MMDA calls for volunteers to join the activity which aims to heighten environmental awareness and volunteerism.
MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim urged residents of Metro Manila and nearby areas to take part in the multi-sectoral effort of clearing garbage from the shores of Manila Bay along Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard which will be the first phase of the rehabilitation.
“This is a kick-off activity of our long term and massive rehabilitation to restore the beauty of the historic Manila Bay,” Lim said in a statement Saturday.
The Manila Bay rehabilitation program which is being led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will gather various agencies, stakeholders, local government units, environmentalists and volunteers.
The activity likewise aims to create awareness on proper waste disposal in order to avoid these reaching the waters of Manila Bay.
Personnel of the MMDA with various tools, garbage receptacles and equipment, will join in the coastal cleanup along the bay area, from Manila Yacht Club to the US Embassy.
Its Solid Waste Management Office personnel will conduct house-to-house flyer distribution and short discussion with residents on waste segregation to minimize solid waste ending up at the Manila Bay while the Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office personnel will conduct dredging works, desilting of some drainage mains and de-clogging of drainage laterals
Participants will assemble at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park at 6 a.m. for a solidarity walk to the Baywalk area at 7 a.m.
Volunteers will be asked to write on a commitment wall to signify their willingness for volunteerism during the activity.
First-aid teams will also be positioned along the baywalk area to administer medical assistance in case anyone gets injured. Four rubber boats, ambulance, fire truck, rescue van and support vehicle will also be dispatched.
DENR and its partners decided to implement the rehabilitation as water pollution has worsened in Manila Bay for the past few years.
Among the agencies that are set to participate are the DENR, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Budget and Management, MMDA, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police-Maritime Group and Philippine Ports Authority.
