Manila estero’s ‘billion’ level fecal coliform level reduced drastically amid rehab

The most probable number (mpn) of fecal coliform level at the Estero de San Antonio de Abad in Manila has been reduced to 300 mpn from as high as one billion mpn due to the ongoing rehabilitation of esteros near the Manila Bay as part of the Manila Bay rehabilitation project.

According to a report by Maki Pulido aired over “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the mpn level of the said estero, while reduced, is still behind the 100 mpn standard.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also attributed the significant improvement to the closure of the Manila Zoo and other establishments near the area.

The DENR expects more improvements, considering that that a septic tank has already been made available for informal settlers there as compared to the old practice of having their fecal materials flow to the estero en route to the Manila Bay.

“Wala na po nakikita na mga tae. Mas malinis po ang pakiramdam,” Regina Magsumbol, one of the residents said.

The septic tank and the pipes connecting it to the toilet of informal settlers were funded by donations, and the DENR plans to construct more septic tanks pending the relocation of 250,000 families at the Manila Bay.

The water in at least 200 esteros in Metro Manila goes straight to the Manila Bay. — Llanesca T. Panti/MDM, GMA News