Manila Bay clean-up yields 400 truckloads of trash, silt: MMDA

May 22, 2019

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has collected at total of 3,018 cubic meters of rubbish and silt from Roxas Boulevard and waterways as part of the Manila Bay rehabilitation project in nearly four months.

In its summary of accomplishment from January 27 to May 17, the MMDA's Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office ( FCSMO) said the build-up of trash and silt is equivalent to 400 truckloads.

Covered by the clearing operation were shores of Manila Bay on Roxas Boulevard, Estero San Antonio de Abad, Tripa De Gallina, Padre Faura Drainage Main, Remedios Drainage Main and some drainage laterals.

According to MMDA chairman Danilo Lim, agency personnel have been conducting regular clean-up operations along 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," said Lim.

For his part, Baltazar Melgar, FCSMO chief, said at least 250 personnel are engaged in the clearing of esteros leading to Manila Bay using heavy equipment including backhoe, barge, motorized banca, scow, mobile crane, and dump truck.

“These trash and silt could find their way to Manila Bay if not removed,” said Melgar.

The Manila Bay rehabilitation, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), was launched on January 27. It seeks to ensure that Manila Bay and its vicinities will be free of garbage and debris through continuous dredging and desilting. DMS