Hinikayat ni Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy A. Cimutu ang lahat ng stakeholders na makipagtulungan sa gobyerno upang malinis ang Manila Bay at mapasama ang mga ito sa makasaysayang proyekto.

“I wish you join us in making history in our country,” sabi pa ni Cimatu sa 200 representante ng 12 ahensiya ng gobyerno na binigyan ng mandamus order ng Supreme Court na linisin ang Manila Bay, mga local government unit at civil society sa ginanap na stakeholders’ meeting na idinaos sa central office ng DENR sa Quezon City.

Pinangunahan ni Cimatu ang pagpupulong kasama sina Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año at Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

Ayon kay Cimatu, hindi imposible na maibalik sa dati ang linis at ganda ng makasaysayang Manila Bay kung lahat ng stakeholders ay magtutulong-tulong upang maisaayos itong muli.

“This mission is not impossible. This mission calls for dedication and hard work from all those who will help us in this operation,” sabi pa ng kalihim.

Aniya, ang Manila Bay rehabilitation ay pagtutulungang linisin ng iba’t-ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno na pamumunuan ng DENR upang muli itong mapaliguan ng mga tao at maibalik sa dating ganda.

Bagama’t isa ang Manila Bay sa hinahangang may magandang tanawin ng sunset, ay napakadumi naman ng tubig nito dahil na rin sa mga duming itinatapon ng factories, toxic mula sa industrial, shipping operations, tambak na basura at iba pa, kaya’t plano ng gobyerno na ibalik ang dating linis ng tubig nito.

Sinabi pa ni Cimatu, ang bahagi ng Roxas Boulevard na magandang tanawin kapag sunset ay dinaig pa ang tubig sa Boracay sa dumi.

Dagdag pa ng dating hepe ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), nakahanda ang gobyerno na ipatupad ang 2008 kautusan ng Supreme Court (SC) na linisin ang Manila Bay at iba pang daluyan ng tubig na karugtong nito.

Sisimulan ng gobyerno ang paglilinis sa Manila Bay sa January 27 ng taong kasalukuyan.

Kaugnay nito, nagsagawa na ng inspeksiyon si Cimatu sa Estero de San Antonio Abad at maging sa Manila Zoo kung saan ay nadiskubre “untreated” ang tubig na nagmumula sa parke patungo sa Manila Bay.

Iniisa-isa na rin ni Cimatu ang mga establishment sa paligid ng Manila Bay na hindi tumutupad sa environmental laws partikular na ang mga lumalabag sa Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

“We expect these establishments to comply. Otherwise, we will do something to them that will bring the message to the Filipino people that this operation is an operation of political will,” sabi pa ni Cimatu.

Aniya pa, “I assure that it will happen. We will not only clean it, we will be able to do something better for our countrymen and for the next generations.”

Itinuturing pa ng kalihim na ang Manila Bay rehabilitation ay isang napakalaking hamon sa kanyang buhay.

Aprubado na rin ng Malacañang ang budget na nagkakahalagang P42.95 billion na gagamitin sa paglilinis ng Manila Bay sa loob ng tatlong taon, partikular na sa mga gagawin ng gobyerno ay ang paglilinis ng mga waterways, relokasyon para sa mga informal settler families, implementasyon ng temporary sanitation facilities at iba pa kung saan ay magiging kasama ni Cimatu sa proyekto si Año na personal na napili ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. ###

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Parent Category: News & Events

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Published: 15 January 2019

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will strictly implement the country’s clean water law to ensure the success of the effort to revive the heavily polluted Manila Bay.

DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said the strict implementation of Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 is the “key to addressing water quality issues and other environmental problems in the historic bay.”

Cimatu recently conducted an ocular inspection of the Estero de San Antonio de Abad in Malate, Manila where outfalls from establishments in the area discharge their wastewater.

“Establishments have to put up their own sewage treatment plants (STPs). They cannot discharge their wastewater in the esteros,” Cimatu said. “We are giving them three months to put up their own STPs,” he added.

Cimtu said that to jumpstart the rehabilitation, the DENR will start the clean-up of esteros by tracing the sources of untreated wastewater.

The environment chief added the planned Manila Bay rehabilitation program will be strategic to oversee the implementation of the three-phase Manila Bay Action Plan.

Phase 1 is cleanup and improvement of water quality improvement, Phase 2 is rehabilitation, and Phase 3, protection and sustainment.

Cimatu said Phase 1 is set to begin this year. It will include the clean-up of esteros and waterways, reduction of the level of fecal coliform and toxic discharges from establishments, and provision of temporary sanitation facilities for informal settlers residing along the esteros and the Manila Bay shoreline. Solid waste management and planning for the relocation of the informal settlers will also be done.

Cimatu also inspected the Paranaque and Don Galo rivers, which both lead to Manila Bay. These two tributaries have also been reported to have high fecal coliform levels.

In 2008, the Supreme Court issued a continuing mandamus ordering the DENR and 12 other government agencies – Departments of Interior of Local Government, Education, health, Agriculture, Public Works and Highways, and Budget and Management, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Philippine Ports Authority, MMDA, MWSS and Local Water Utilities Administration to clean up Manila Bay and restore its water quality to Class SB level safe for recreational activities such as swimming.

Fecal coliform level in Manila Bay is at 330 million MPN (most probable number) per 100 milliliters. The acceptable level for Class SB water is 100MPN/100 ml.

The DENR’s goal is to reduce coliform level to less than 270 MPN/100ml less by December 2019. ###

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Published: 12 January 2019

Nakapagtala ng “record-breaking accomplishments” ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sa ilalim ng Solid Waste Management (SWM) program matapos nitong lampasan ang “target” ng ahensiya na pagsunod ng mga local government units (LGUs) sa Republic Act 9003 o mas kilala bilang Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

“Given that SWM stands alongside the other major programs of the DENR, we are determined to go over and beyond our targets and to work fast to show that we are serious in solving this perennial problem,” sabi ni DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and LGU Concerns Benny Antiporda.

Sa ulat ng Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), lahat ng regional offices ng DENR ay lumampassa kani- kanilang mga “target” sa tatlong magkakahiwalay na indicator ng programa, kabilang na dito ang (1) 10-year SWM plans reviewed and endorsed, (2) LGUs assisted on dumpsite closure and rehabilitation, at (3) materials recovery facilities (MRFs) established.

Para sa 10-year SMW plans, umabot sa 359 10-year SMW plans ang narepaso at inendorso ng DENR sa National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC). Ito ay nakapagtala ng “181% accomplishment” versus sa target na 198 SMW plans para sa taong 2018.

Mula sa 359 SMW plans na narepaso ng NSWMC, na pinamumunuan ni Antiporda, 308 SWM plans ang naaprubahan ng komisyon. Base sa talaan ng EMB, simula 2010 hanggang 2017 ay nakapag-aapruba lamang ang komisyon ng 46 SWM plans (average) kada taon at ang pag-angat ng bilang ng mga naipasang SWM plans nitong 2018 ay umangat ng 568% kumpara sa mga nakalipas na taon.

Ang Region 12 ang may pinakamataas na “accomplishments” kung saan ay mayroon silang 32 SMW plans na narepaso mula sa target na 4 o 800% pag-angat ng bilang, sinundan ito ng Region 13 na may 31 mula sa target na 5 o may 620% pag-angat habang ang Region 10 naman ay may 450% pag-angat mula sa 8 ay nagkaroon ito ng 36 SMW plans.

“The Commission has been doing its share of the work. We expect nothing less from the LGUs. We want them to know that after approval, the implementation of their respective SWM plans weighs more. Otherwise, we can file cases against them for non-compliance,” pahayag pa ni Antiporda.

Para naman sa ikalawang programa (LGUs assisted on dumpsite closure and rehabilitation), umabot sa 179 mula sa target na 113 ang nabigyan ng “technical assistance” para sa pagpapasara at rehabilitasyon ng “open at controlled dumpsites” na may 158% pagtaas ng bilang.

Ang Region 10 ang may pinakamataas na bilang na mayroong 413% pagtaas o 33 LGUs mula sa target na 8 sinundan ito ng Region 2, 35 mula sa 10 o may 350% habang ang Region 6 naman ay may 250% o 25 mula sa target na 10.

Mula naman sa ikatlong programa (establishment of MRFs), nakapagtala ang DENR ng 101% pagtaas ng mga nagawa mula sa target na 532 ay pumalo ito sa bilang na 537 kung saan ay Region 2 ang nanguna na may 36 mula sa target na 31 (16%) habang ang lahat ng regions ay nakapagtala ng 1005 “accomplishments”.

“We are overwhelmed by the exemplary performance of all regions in the DENR’s SWM program. Definitely, this is indicative of a genuine resolve to pursue the Department’s mandate to be the agency primarily responsible for the country's environment and natural resources. It likewise demonstrates their support to our vision of a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and clean and healthy environment,” pagtatapos pa ni Antiporda. ###

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Published: 10 January 2019

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has surpassed its 2018 targets under its Solid Waste Management (SWM) Program, indicating improved compliance by local government units (LGUs) to Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

“Given that SWM stands alongside the other major programs of the DENR, we are determined to go over and beyond our targets and to work fast to show that we are serious in solving this perennial problem,” said DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and LGU Concerns Benny D. Antiporda.

The DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) reported that all regional offices of the department have exceeded their respective targets in all three program indicators, namely: (1) 10-year SWM plans reviewed and endorsed, (2) LGUs assisted on dumpsite closure and rehabilitation, and (3) materials recovery facilities (MRFs) established.

From a target of 198 SWM plans, a total of 359 10-year SWM plans have been reviewed and endorsed to the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) last year, representing a 181% accomplishment. NSWMC is a DENR-led body chaired by Antiporda which approves SWM plans of LGUs.

In an unprecedented achievement and setting a new record, 308 of the 359 SWM plans reviewed , were approved by the Commission. Data from EMB would reveal that from 2010 to 2017, the Commission usually approves an average of 46 SWM plans yearly. Thus, this year’s number of approved SWM plans reflects a huge leap of 568% as compared from previous years.

Region 12 had the highest accomplishment at 800% with 32 SWM plans reviewed and endorsed to the NSWMC from a target of 4. Region 13 came second at 620% or 31 of from the original target of 5. Region 10 had 450% success rate with 36 from 8.

“The Commission has been doing its share of the work. We expect nothing less from the LGUs. We want them to know that after approval, the implementation of their respective SWM plans weighs more. Otherwise, we can file cases against them for non-compliance,” Antiporda stated.

For LGUs assisted on dumpsite closure and rehabilitation, a total of 179 out of the target 113 LGUs were given technical assistance on the proper closure and rehabilitation of open and controlled dumpsites, representing 158% accomplishment.

Region 10 had the highest success rate at 413% with 33 LGUs assisted from its target of 8. This was followed by Region 2 at 350% or 35 out of 10, and Region 6 at 250% or 25 of 10.

For the establishment of MRFs, the DENR recorded a 101% accomplishment with 537 MRFs established nationwide from the target of 532.

Region 2 exceeded its target by 16% with 36 MRFs from the target of 31. All other regions registered 100% accomplishment.

In terms of compliant LGUs monitored, 165 of 158 LGUs were monitored or a 104% accomplishment. Region 12, Cordillera Administrative Region and Region 1 all surpassed their targets with percentage accomplishments at 190, 186 and 150, respectively. Most of the regions also exceeded their targets.

“We are overwhelmed by the exemplary performance of all regions in the DENR’s SWM program. Definitely, this is indicative of a genuine resolve to pursue the Department’s mandate to be the agency primarily responsible for the country's environment and natural resources.

“It likewise demonstrates their support to our vision of a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and clean and healthy environment,” Antiporda said. #

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Published: 10 January 2019

Inatasan ni Secretary Roy A. Cimatu ang lahat ng field officials ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) na mas maging aktibo at handa lalo na sa tuwing magkakaroon ng malakas na pagbuhos ng ulan.

Ang kautusan na ito ay inilabas ni Cimatu matapos ang pananalasa ng Tropical Depression Usman na nagresulta ng flashfloods at landslides na ikinamatay na tinatayang 120 katao sa Bicol region bago magbagong taon.

Dalawang magkasunod na malalakas na bagyo rin ang nanalasa noong 2018 sa Itogon, Benguet at Naga City, Cebu na nagresulta ng landslides habang noong October namay ay nagkaroon din ng parehas na sakuna sa Natonin, Mt. Province.

Ayon kay Cimatu, ang pagkakaroon ng landslides dahil sa matinding pagbuhos ng ulan ay isa sa dahilan ng mapanirang epekto ng climate change kaya’t nararapat lamang na mabigyan ng proteksiyon ang bawat komunidad sa buong bansa.

“It is therefore imperative for the DENR and its field offices to be prepared and responsive to the dangers and adverse effects of excessive rainfall,” nakasaad pa sa memo na inilabas ni Cimatu.

Ang naturang memo ay naka-direkta sa lahat ng DENR regional executive directors, regional directors ng Environment Management Bureau (EMB), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), at sa mga provincial and community environment and natural resources officers (PENROs/CENROs) sa buong bansa.

Sinabi pa ng kalihim, upang mas maging aktibo at handa ang mga field officials ng DENR ay kinakailangang maging pamilyar ang mga ito sa geohazard maps na nagmula sa MGB kung saan ay nakalagay ang mga lugar na delikado sa pagbaha at landslides.

“With the use and understanding of the geohazard map, the likelihood that we will be able to proactively respond to weather disturbances like typhoon and even mere low pressure incidences causing abnormally high rainfall will be greater,” dagdag pa ni Cimatu.

Ipinag-utos din ng kalihim sa lahat ng field offices ng DENR na maglagay ng kopya ng bagong labas na geohazard maps sa kanilang mga bulletin board habang gusto din nitong masanay ang mga empleyado ng kanyang pinamumunuang ahensiya kung saan ang mga lugar na maaaring magkaroon ng landslides at pagbaha sa kanilang mga nasasakupan.

Pinaalalahanan pa ni Cimatu ang mga field officials na panatilihing bukas ang kanilang mga linya ng komunikasyon para magkaroon ng koordinasyon sa mga local government officials nang sa gayon ay agad na malaman ng mga ito ang mga lugar na maaaring magkaroon ng landslides at pagbaha sa kanilang nasasakupan.

Isa rin sa tungkulin ng DENR field officer ay ang palagiang pagtingin sa kanilang geohazard maps upang agad na matukoy ang mga lugar at komunidad na maaaring makaranas ng landslides at pagbaha.

Nais din ni Cimatu na maging pamilyar ang mga field officials ng DENR sa color-coded danger signs sa geohazard maps at maging ang rainfall warning signals ng ipinalalabas ng Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).

Pinayuhan pa nito ang mga field officials na maging “physically present” sa kanilang area of responsibilities at palaging dumalo sa mga pulong ng regional, provincial at municipal disaster risk coordinating councils sa tuwing magkakaroon ng masamang panahon.

Ipinag-utos din ni Cimatu ang pagbubukas ng Operation Center sa bawat regional office, PENRO at CENRO na siyang tatanggap ng kautusan mula sa central office ng DENR sa Quezon City at ito ay mamanduhan 24/7 ng mga maaasahang field officials na palaging bukas ang linya ng komunikasyon, maayos na sasakyan at iba pang gamit na kakailanganin sa tuwing magkakaroon ng masamang panahon. ###

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Published: 08 January 2019