DOT supports Manila Bay rehabilitation plan

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday expressed support to the government’s plan to rehabilitate Manila Bay, saying that it would be to the “best interest” of the tourism industry.

“The Department of Tourism fully supports the government’s initiative to clean up and rehabilitate Manila Bay,” DOT said in a statement.

“We recognize that such efforts are for the best interest of the tourism industry and are in line with the thrust of the DOT to create a culture of sustainable tourism,” it added.

This came after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced that they will lead the rehabilitation of the Manila Bay to comply with the 10-year-old Supreme Court order for the government to clean up coastal areas in Metro Manila.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said they also plan to apply the same “political will” observed in the rehabilitation of Boracay Island.

READ: Manila Bay rehab: Cimatu eyes ‘lethal solution’

The DOT said they will conduct “consultations and dialogues” along with the Boracay’s inter-agency task force to ensure that accredited tourism establishments nationwide will “conform with the highest standard of environmental conservation.” /ee

READ: Duterte orders Manila Bay cleanup, crackdown on errant hotels