MMDA collects 400 truckloads of rubbish, silt in Manila Bay rehab

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday said it collected 3,018 cubic meters of rubbish and silt — equivalent to 400 truckloads — as part of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Project.

In the MMDA’s summary of accomplishments from Jan. 27 to May 17, the agency’s Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office (FCSMO) said that the rubbish and silt were collected from Roxas Boulevard and waterways.

The Manila Bay Rehabilitation Project was first launched by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources last Jan. 27 to clean the Manila Bay and ensure that its vicinity is free of garbage and debris.

The MMDA added that the 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 were covered by the FCMO’s clearing operation.

FCSMO chair Baltazar Melgar said at least 250 FCSMO personnel were involved in the cleanup of the esteros leading to Manila Bay. They used heavy equipment such as backhoe, barge, motorized banca, scow, mobile crane, and dump truck.

Meanwhile, MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said that agency personnel has been conducting regular cleanup operations of the Metro Manila waterways even before the launch of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program.

“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,” Lim said in a statement. (Editor: Eden Estopace)

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