MANILA — A total of 400 truckloads of garbage and silt from Metro Manila waterways and drainage systems have been collected by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as part of the Manila Bay rehabilitation program.
In a statement on Wednesday, the MMDA said its Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office (FCMSO) has hauled 3,018 cubic meters of rubbish and silt during its clearing operations in the shores of Manila Bay on Roxas Blvd., Estero San Antonio de Abad, Tripa de Gallina, Padre Faura Drainage Main, Remedios Drainage Main, and some drainage laterals from January 27 to May 17.
Baltazar Melgar, chief of the FCMSO, said at least 250 personnel are engaged in the clearing of esteros leading to Manila Bay with the use of heavy equipment, such as backhoe, barge, motorized banca, scow, mobile crane, and dump trucks.
“These trash and silt could find their way to Manila Bay if not removed,” Melgar said.
MMDA Chairperson Danilo Lim said the agency has been cleaning up waterways in Metro Manila even before the launch of the Manila Bay rehabilitation project.
“We still have a long way to go but with sustained efforts led by the government and stakeholders, we can restore the beauty and improve Manila Bay’s quality of water. We welcome everyone’s help in cleaning up Manila Bay,” he said.
The Manila Bay rehabilitation program was launched by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources last January 27 to ensure that the bay and waterways leading to it are cleared of garbage and debris through continuous dredging and desilting activities.
The initiative was launched as water pollution has worsened in Manila Bay over the years.