By Priam Nepomuceno/PNA
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed a contingent of 700 troops to participate in the kick-off activity for the cleanup and rehabilitation of Manila Bay on Sunday.
Troops and personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force and AFP General Headquarters joined government and non-government organizations in the effort to clean up and restore the beauty of the polluted Manila Bay, which is famous for its majestic sunset.
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a message Sunday the military continues to be part of initiatives that promote and advocate environmental protection.
“The AFP’s participation in the Manila Bay clean-up drive is part of its staunch commitment to help protect the environment and preserve it for posterity. The AFP vigorously supports other agencies to ensure that the next generation will experience the beauty of the Bay famous worldwide for its majestic sunset,” Arevalo said.
Some 5,000 volunteers gathered on Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for a solidarity walk to signify the start of the Manila Bay rehabilitation efforts.
Multisectorial groups, stakeholders, officials and personnel of government agencies, religious groups, academe, students and other non-government organizations attended the event to show their cooperation in the Save Manila Bay project. (With reports from Darwin C. Pesco, OJT/PNA)
