Over 15k volunteers to join Manila Bay clean-up on Sept. 21 —DENR

More than 15,000 volunteers are expected to join the simultaneous coastal clean-up activities within the Manila Bay region on Saturday, September 21, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The massive clean-up drive will be held as the nation observes International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day held every third Saturday of September of each year.

“We are continuing the mission of cleaning Manila Bay in time for this year’s ICC Day celebration—an activity close to the noble purpose of rehabilitating this historic bay—so that the future generations can still witness its splendid glory,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

According to a media release issued Thursday, clean-up sites will include areas in Barangay 649 in Baseco, Manila, the coastal areas of Navotas Centennial Park, and the river systems of Tullahan-Tinajeros and Marikina River which drain to Manila Bay.

The activity will also include sites in the Navotas Tanza Marine Tree Park; Las Piñas- Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area; By the Bay Central Park in SM Mall of Asia and Gloria Maris, CCP Complex in Pasay City; and Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila, the DENR said.

The government aims to reduce the fecal coliform level in Manila Bay to 100 most probable number per 100 milliliter, making it fit for swimming and other contact recreations. —Margaret Claire Layug/LDF, GMA News