LMB PARTAKES IN THE #BATTLEFORMANILABAY
To show support on the biggest battle against environmental abuse and participate in the restoration of glory of one of the most historic sites in our country, the Land Management Bureau (LMB), headed by Acting Director Atty. Emelyne V. Talabis and Assistant Director Engr. Romeo P. Verzosa, joined the Launching of the Rehabilitation Program and Manila Bay Coastal Clean Up held last January 27, 2019 at the Roxas Boulevard, City of Manila.
The Rehabilitation Program, spearheaded by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, kicked off with a unity walk which started at the Quirino Grandstand and ended at the Manila Bay area. An opening message from Mr. Sherwin S. Rigor, Undersecretary for Attached Agencies and Supervising Undersecretary for Manila Bay Coordinating Office (MBCO) started the program proper.
USEC Rigor acknowledged all participating agencies – both private and public entities, as well as the other partner communities in different provinces such as Pampanga, Cavite, Bulacan and Bataan. Additionally, public officials shared their thoughts in reviving the revered beauty and life of Manila Bay.
“With a total stretch of 190 kilometers, Manila Bay is said to be 1,700x harder to clean compare to Boracay Island,” said Sec. Eduardo Año of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). With this, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar announced that DPWH will be procuring and providing equipment solely for the Manila Bay Rehabilitation project.
According to Secretary Cimatu, this momentous activity marks a new history in the lives of all Filipino people. The topic regarding the restoration of Manila Bay has been a long-time issue which we cannot neglect any longer. When asked what he thinks is the greatest challenge of this movement, Secretary Cimatu said that sustainability will come afterwards. Considering how Manila Bay used to be, he assured that saving the once beautiful and clean water way is not a lost cause.
In line with this, a pledge of oath entitled “10 Panunumpa Para sa kalikasan” was undertaken by all the participants. It was led by Ms. Angel Delfin from Manila Science High School.
Lastly, Secretary Cimatu also assured that with a whole government approach and strong passion of Filipinos to serve and save the environment, nothing will be impossible. Restoring the beauty and glory of Manila Bay is not only a responsibility of one agency, nor a duty of just one city but a battle of the whole Filipino citizen. Hand in hand, each and every Filipino will battle, not only for the rehabilitation of one of our national treasures, but also for the sake of future generations.
By Eloisa Clarice Borja