Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos personally supervised the agency’s cleanup operations at Manila Bay, as an influx of trash was swept into the bay due to heavy rains in the past days brought by southwest monsoon.
At least 70 personnel from MMDA Metro Parkways Clearing Group were deployed to clean Manila Bay.
According to Abalos, two truckloads of garbage or about 40 cubic meters were collected in the area.
Among the trash seen from the bay’s shoreline were plastic bottles, pieces of styrofoam and other debris.
“Plastics are the most common trash found in Manila Bay.”
“Plastics are the most common trash found in Manila Bay. Undisputedly, it negatively affects the environment,” the traffic chief pointed out.
Moreover, the traffic head appealed to the public to avoid throwing discards anywhere.
“Behavioral change among Filipinos is key to addressing the plastic waste problem in Manila Bay.”
“Let us start a move right now. Behavioral change among Filipinos is key to address plastic waste problem in Manila Bay. Stop the habit of indiscriminate dumping not only in Manila Bay, but also on different waterways in the metropolis,” he said.
Abalos also expressed gratitude to the personnel of Department of Environment and Natural Resources and City Government of Manila for their clean-up initiatives in Manila Bay.
Meanwhile, he said he has sought the assistance of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), asking help from the policemen to arrest individuals who will throw garbage in Manila Bay.
“I’ve already talked to DILG Secretary Eduardo Año on this matter. Those apprehended would be obliged to clean Manila Bay,” Abalos stressed.
