DENR’s Cimatu wants to see more public-private tie-ups

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu wants to see more public-private partnerships in environmental initiatives.

He called on more private companies to join the government in its environmental initiatives, following the recent launch of the P1-billion Tullahan-Tinajeros dredging project.

The project involving the 5.25-km portion of the Tullahan-Tinajeros River system from Malabon City’s Barangay Catmon to Navotas City’s Barangay Bagumbayan South is a joint undertaking by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp.

The DENR chief described the dredging project as a “perfect example of collaboration between the government and private sector.”

“This is a partnership forged in trust, joined by a vision, and driven by passion,” he said.

“More than the fact that we cannot do it alone, this commitment of [SMC] to help us in this enormous task magnifies the importance of shared responsibility. As we are all part of the problem, one way or another, we can all be part of the solution,” he added. 

He said he is hoping that the partnership would inspire other private firms to include in their corporate social responsibility the cleanup of waterways.

He said he could not thank SMC enough for adopting the Tullahan River which cleanup is critical to the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

To clean up the Tullahan River, the government would have “an easier task of cleaning Manila Bay,” he said.

“Also by doing so, we will help prevent flooding. That is hitting three birds with one stone,” he added.