Isko hails DENR for Manila Bay project

We need this, we need a clean sea, a clean river, a clean creek so the next generation can enjoy a vibrant and clean Manila

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Saturday hailed the efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to clean up and beautify Manila Bay.

Domagoso made the remark in celebration of the International Day of Coastal Clean-up.

Domagoso said previous administrations have neglected to rehabilitate the bay area except on occasions when garbage had to be collected from the bay.

Turning his guns on government critics, Moreno said they are free to express their opinions, but as far as Manilans are concerned, the beautification of the Manila Bay is appreciated and recognized.

“Don’t drag Manila in politics. We need this, we need a clean sea, a clean river, a clean creek so the next generation can enjoy a vibrant and clean Manila,” Domagoso said.

Moreno reminded critics that the government is not the enemy.

“The DENR is not the enemy. The DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government), DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) and DA (Department of Agriculture) are not the enemies. The enemy is perhaps near you, COVID-19. That’s the true enemy,” Moreno said.

“While we respect our different views, we must maintain in our heart and mind that we are all Filipino that has responsibility to the country, community and environment,” he added.

While we respect our different views, we must maintain in our heart and mind that we are all Filipino that has responsibility to the country, community and environment.

In jest, Moreno thanked those who opposed the white sands on Manila Bay for putting the city in the limelight.

For his part, DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said the Manila bay rehabilitation project was started two years ago and the dolomite sand at the bay is part of the second stage.

Water treatment plants have been installed in river ways not only in Manila but in other waterways to see to it that water from canals, creeks and the will be filtered and rid of organic dirt before it enters Manila Bay, according to Cimatu.

Meanwhile, various government agencies and private organizations on Saturday spearheaded the Manila Bay clean up and collected trash in the area in observance of International Coastal Cleanup Day.

Personnel from the the Bureau of Fire Department, Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Health joined other government employees for the cleanup activity on Roxas Boulevard.

The local Lions Club, on the other hand, was among the private organizations that joined the activity.

Earlier, the DENR said it is fast-tracking the dumping of synthetic white sand along the shores of Manila Bay for the clean-up day.