CONTAINMENT For its first target, the Manila Bay rehab program hopes to bring down the water’s fecal coliform levels. INQUIRER file photo / LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) and barangays along Manila Bay Watershed Area must help in the rehabilitation efforts of Manila Bay starting Jan. 27, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Saturday.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has mandated about 178 LGUs and 5,714 barangays to conduct weekly clean-up drives as per DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-09 released on Jan. 24.
Año said Manila Bay’s rehabilitation will be hastened due to the collective efforts and commitment of LGUs and barangays.
“The collective efforts and commitment of the LGUs and barangays within the Manila Bay Watershed Area would spell the difference in the rebirth and preservation of our Manila Bay,” Año said.
“As we all know, Manila Bay is polluted and partly, we have ourselves to blame. But it’s not too late, we can still make amends. Sabay-sabay at sasama po nating buhayin ang ating Manila Bay,” he added.
Año added that the LGUs and barangays may request the support of “volunteers, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, academe, among others, to encourage participation from different stakeholders in the clean-up drive.”
Under the Local Government Code, barangays are required to do basic services “which include, but not limited to, services and facilities related to hygiene and sanitation, beautification, and solid waste collection.” /jpv
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