The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), led the ceremonial turn-over of the P7.6-million Automatic Trash Rake (ATR) facility to Malabon City.
DENR Acting Secretary Jim Sampulna said the facility serves as an “alternative measure to improve flood control operation through better trash collection rate with the capability of lifting large-sized trash along creeks and declog drainage systems”.
The ATR facility will keep floating debris, leaves, and other solid waste from entering the Malabon-Navotas-Tullahan-Tinajeros or MaNaTuTi River System, while supporting the ongoing Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program or the “Battle for Manila Bay”.
During the turnover ceremony, Sampulna underscored the valuable contribution of strategic partnerships with other government agencies for the successful implementation of various environmental programs and policies in the country.
“We have to protect our countrymen and act with urgency.”
“We have to protect our countrymen and act with urgency. This is the very reason the DENR has been constantly pushing for sustainable projects and forging a strategic partnership with various government agencies like the DOST,” the environment chief said.
“This collaboration is grounded on a genuine spirit of partnership.”
“This collaboration is grounded on a genuine spirit of partnership, where all parties agree to complement each other’s efforts and embrace contributions of other partners,” the environment head added.
The ATR facility was installed in Letre Creek along P. Aquino Ave. in Brgy. Tonsuya, Malabon City, was designed by the Malabon City Engineering Department and DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center.
It features a better trash collection rate and can lift large-sized trash along the creek, declog drainage systems, boost waste management capabilities, and collect wastes in waterways faster and easier, especially during the rainy season.
Aside from the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, the ATR facility is also expected to bolster the DENR’s solid waste management program.
Sampulna has expressed hope that the ATR facility will be “replicated not only in Metro Manila but the entire Philippines.”
