The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will install trash traps in most polluted rivers considered major tributaries to Manila Bay in a bid to lessen floods during the rainy season.
The DENR’S Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is set to put up 268 trash traps in tributaries leading to Pasig, Tullahan, Meycauayan and Pampanga rivers.
The project is in support of the National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction and Management of Marine Litter in accordance with DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2021-10 as the national marine litter framework plan with an overarching goal of Zero Waste to Philippine Waters by 2040.
William Cuñado, EMB director, said the project aims to improve waste collection and disposal within the tributaries which can help reduce flooding during rainy season.
“We are working closely with the local government units, seeking their suggestions from procurement to installation, to ensure that these trash traps are installed in strategic locations and maximized for the benefit of the LGU and the communities residing in these water bodies,” he said.
“We need to control the additional leakage of waste into our water bodies. For this year, EMB will augment the existing activities of the DENR related to the implementation of NPOA-ML,” he added.
A memorandum of agreement and a deed of donation will be entered between the EMB regional office and the recipient local government units.
“The LGUs will be monitoring the trash traps installed in their jurisdiction. Also, they will handle the collection, hauling and proper disposal of wastes from the trash traps, and the maintenance and operation of the equipment. And there will be personal protective equipment for operators. Engagement of collection and disposal services through the LGUs will also be included to ensure that the collected waste will be properly disposed,” Cuñado said.