Thousands run for Manila Bay rehab

MANILA, Philippines— Around five thousand government employees and private citizens ran in Manila on Sunday to show support for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

The fun run, dubbed “Takbo para sa Kalikasan,” was led by the Department of Interior and Local Government and was held along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. The program is in line in the “world without waste” advocacy.

Among the government employees who joined the three-kilometer run were personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism, Metro Manila Development, Authority and the Philippine National Police.

HAPPENING NOW: Takbo Para sa Kalikasan in support of the Battle of Manila Bay for a World Without Waste led by DILG, DENR, and MMDA, in partnership with private organizations. I Patrick de Jesus pic.twitter.com/oZLyqPjhRZ

— People's Television (@PTVph) April 27, 2019

IN PHOTOS: DOT women and men run with the DENR, DILG, PCW, Coca Cola Philippines, Holcim, and The Manila Hotel in the Takbo Para sa Kalikasan.#ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines #MoreFunForever #BatteforManilaBay pic.twitter.com/IJiiM5EXHn

— Visit Philippines (@TourismPHL) April 28, 2019

The DILG, DENR and DOT, the agencies in charge of the cleanup of Boracay, are also the lead agencies in the task force for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

According to DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing, the taskforce will be using the similar Boracay rehabilitation model to restore Manila Bay.

“The only difference is Manila Bay rehabilitation is more extensive given its 200-kilometer shoreline,” Densing said.

The DILG official added that they are hopeful that the Budget department will approve its proposal for a P42.95-billion fund for the three-year rehabilitation plan for Manila Bay.

Last month, the three agencies also led simultaneous Metro Manila-wide cleaning of rivers, esteros or inlets and creeks connected to Manila Bay.

RELATED: DENR, DILG, MMDA lead metro-wide clean-up of rivers, esteros