Legarda Joins in Initiating Massive Manila Bay Clean-up

THROUGH THE LUNTIANG PILIPINAS FOUNDATION, SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA JOINED IN INITIATING A MASSIVE MANILA BAY CLEAN-UP, ALONG THE COASTLINE FROM NAVOTAS TO BACOOR, CAVITE IN ORDER TO REHABILITATE THE BAY AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE COUNTRY’S SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT EFFORTS.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and founder of Luntiang Pilipinas explained that, “the Manila Bay is an effective gauge of the level of water pollution in Metro Manila. The amount of solid wastes present in these waters, which becomes more evident during the rainy season, should be a cause for alarm among all of us. And this clean-up involving a host of stakeholders should only be one among many.”
The Manila Broadcasting Company, represented by radio station DZRH, took the lead in the project, with Luntiang Pilipinas Foundation Inc. as a partner and co-implementor.
“The Manila Bay is one of Metro Manila’s crowning glories, boasting the best view of the sunset as it features prominently in both local and international tourism campaigns. And yet it continues to be neglected: the view of the otherwise beautiful sunset is marred by styrofoam containers, plastic bags, discarded appliances, and many other solid wastes. It is time that we take a stand against this pollution and degradation,” said Legarda, author of the Solid Waste Management Act.
The clean-up’s operating partners include the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Maritime Command, MMDA, DOT, and the Offices of the Mayors of Manila, Malabon, Navotas, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, and Bacoor.
“Let us take Manila Bay back. Let us reclaim its stunning beauty and proclaim its significance. And let us, above all, work towards a healthy, sustainable, and disaster resilient future through initiating and supporting concerted clean-up efforts,” Legarda concluded.