Give financial incentives to Manila Bay cleaners – solon

Government agencies were urged on Friday to extend financial incentives to people who participate in the cleanup of the Manila Bay, which is famous for both its rich history and its garbage problem.

“You should generate income in the cleanup... that's the only way to get people involved,” ANGKLA Party-list Rep. Jesulito Manalo said, hinting that volunteerism could only go so far in keeping Manila Bay clean.

“How will people get the income by cleaning up? Get the economics going,” said the solon, who chairs the House Committee on Overseas Workers' Affairs.

Last January, President Duterte approved the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources' (DENR’s) 142-billion, three-year rehabilitation plan on Manila Bay.

What followed were viral before and after pictures of Manila Bay showing the results of the initial cleanup.

But some lawmakers who attended the hearing expressed reservations about the sustainability of the cleanup efforts.

“Without business economics, it becomes a vicious cycle,” Manalo said, noting that the mountains of garbage will always come back there in the absence of paid cleaners.

Assistant Secretary Daniel Darius Nicer of the DENR's Anti-Corruption Office attended the hearing of the panel, chaired by Quirino Rep. Dakila Cua.

Cua appeared to see the wisdom in the maritime sector solon's suggestion, and subsequently told the DENR to “make a business model out of it (Manila Bay cleanup activities).

“Once you come up with a sound plan, you can make a business opportunity,” he said.

Manalo underscored the importance of keeping the shores and water of Manila Bay garbage-free, particularly for the maritime sector.

“I'm coming from the maritime perspective...We can't bring ships here if the propellers will get caught up with garbage. If the ships can't come here then the cost of goods will rise,” he explained to the committee.

He said government should carry out an information campaign on why the preservation of bodies of water is important.

“If you educate [the people] maybe they will cooperate,” Manalo said.