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Friday, March 29, 2024

DILG to create Bora-like task force in Bay rehab

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Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said on Thursday that they plan to duplicate the rehabilitation of Boracay for the cleanup of Manila Bay, which officially starts on Jan. 27.

To kick off the Manila Bay rehab, Año said the government will create an inter-agency task force similar to what was created for the massive cleanup of Boracay early last year.

Like in Boracay, the task force for the Manila Bay rehab will be composed of inspection, investigation, and audit teams to look into the structures surrounding the bay and its tributaries. 

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu will remain chairman of the new task force while Año will be one of the vice-chairmen. 

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Año said they check on the informal settlers on the rivers and tributaries as well as factories and establishments that may have contributed to the bay’s worsening condition. 

He said that the task force will also review reclamation projects in Manila Bay to make sure these are complying with the country’s environmental laws.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier warned hotels along the heavily-polluted bay after he ordered the rehabilitation of Manila Bay, which is known for its breath-taking sunset.

“Di lang ISF, pati factories at negosyo na nagtatapon ng dumi diyan. Either kailangan meron silang solid waste-management system or talagang ipapasara natin ‘yan,” Año said.

Last year, on the president’s order, the Boracay Island underwent a massive rehabilitation that lasted for about 6 months. The island, one of the country’s top tourist destination, reopened last October. 

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