Manila—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has transferred 11 units of backhoes-on-barge to various local government units (LGUs) as part of the ongoing Manila Bay Rehabilitation project. The equipment, valued at PHP491 million, is intended to enhance efforts to clean up rivers and waterways leading to Manila Bay.
According to Philippines News Agency, the equipment transfer ceremony held on Wednesday marks another significant step in the long-term efforts to restore Manila Bay and its surrounding waterways. Loyzaga emphasized the critical role of healthy rivers in maintaining community health and highlighted the dual use of the backhoes-on-barge for both waterway maintenance and flood prevention, especially in areas vulnerable to climate change.
The recipients of the backhoes-on-barge include the local governments of Malabon, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, Taguig, and cities from the provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, and Cavite. Loyzaga credited a partnership formed in 2021 between the DENR and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for providing the necessary tools and heavy equipment to the LGUs for their efforts in dredging, desilting, and trash removal from the waterways.
The Manila Bay Rehabilitation, mandated by the Supreme Court in a 2008 Continuing Mandamus Order, involves multiple state agencies, LGUs, and water concessionaires in a concerted effort to restore the bay. The creation of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Task Force in 2019, led by the DENR, has facilitated various initiatives, including the enhancement of water quality, rehabilitation of sewer lines, and the relocation of informal settlers from critical areas around the bay.
Secretary Loyzaga also highlighted the significant progress made since the task force's establishment, with over 1.1 million cubic meters of waste and silt removed from the bay area since 2019. The partnership with San Miguel Corporation for cleaning the Tullahan-Tinajeros river system was noted as a major recent development.
The DENR's broader efforts include the Adopt-a-River program, which since 2010 has involved over 1,100 donor-partners and led to the adoption of 551 waterbodies nationwide. Loyzaga called for more robust partnerships with LGUs to develop science-informed solutions for environmental challenges and to build resilience against climate change.