Manila Bay cleanup yields 5 tons of garbage

MALOLOS, Philippines — The simultaneous cleanup of Manila Bay in Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan on Sunday yielded more than five tons of garbage.

Paquito Moreno Jr., Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Central Luzon director, said at least 3,000 mangrove saplings were also planted along the rivers in Barangay Tawiran, Obando, Bulacan; Sto. Filomena, Guagua, Pampanga, and Lucanin, Mariveles, Bataan.

The first phase of the rehabilitation of Manila Bay in Central Luzon involves cleanup of waterways to reduce fecal coliform level and toxic discharge from establishments as well as the implementation of solid waste management.

“Notices of violation will be issued to non-compliant establishments,” Moreno said.

The DENR said there are around 23,000 informal settlers in Bulacan and 9,363 in Pampanga. At least 10,166 people live in coastal areas and river systems in Bulacan, Bataan and Pampanga, it added.

Lormely Claudio, Environmental Management Bureau-Central Luzon director, told The STAR that 47 establishments in Bulacan and Bataan were served notices of violations and issued cease and desist orders as part of the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

Sixteen of these erring establishments are in Meycauayan, 24 in Obando and three in Marilao, all in Bulacan, and four in Mariveles, Bataan.

Claudio said leather and jewelry industries in Marilao, fishpens in Obando and beach resorts, hotels and manufacturing firms in Mariveles, Bataan are being monitored for compliance with DENR requirements.