By Alec Go
President Rodrigo Duterte asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in his latest State of the Nation Address (SONA) to continue efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay in line with environmental protection measures.
In his speech on Monday, Duterte took credit for the “long overdue rehabilitation” that began in 2019, saying “no immediate substantial action” was undertaken 13 years since the Supreme Court’s mandamus was issued on the bay’s maintenance.
“I urge the DENR to sustain its efforts and continue working with our LGUs [local government units] to restore Manila Bay to its former glory,” Duterte said.
Duterte reported that “all illegally operating open dumpsites surrounding Manila Bay have been shut down” as of May 21, with 151 of 187 local governments around the bay given access to sanitary landfills.
He added that several establishments that violated environmental laws and ordinances have been shut down.
“As a result, pollutants have been largely reduced and coliform levels — also reduced to its barest maximum — are now at their lowest levels in years, if not decades,” he said.
Read more: DENR defends dolomite project in Manila Bay anew
The Chief Executive also brought up the possible replenishment of crushed dolomite or artificial white sand in a portion of the bay. The dumping of artificial white sand began early September last year.
Read more: Crushed dolomite dumping in Manila Bay raises more issues, environmental woes
In a hearing for DENR’s budget last year, the agency said there is no cause for concern on the beautification of the beach portion following issues raised by environmental groups. -rir
