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The Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) handed over 11 units of backhoes-on-barge to local government units (LGUs) earlier this week, to be used for the continuing efforts to clean up rivers and waterways flowing out to the Manila Bay.
“ We encourage the LGUs to use these backhoes-on-barge not only for the cleanup and dredging of the waterways and coastal areas of the Manila Bay region but also to help avert floods that threaten lives and properties in many vulnerable communities as a result of climate change ,” DENR Secretary, Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga , said.
Recipients of the 11 units of backhoes-on-barge are the local governments of Malabon, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, Taguig, San Fernando in Pampanga, Obando in Bulacan, and Bacoor in Cavite.
The Manila Bay rehabilitation was mandated by the Supreme Court (SC) in a Continuing Mandamus Order dated Dec. 18, 2008, and required DENR, DPWH among other state agencies, LGUs and two water concessionaires to clean up and rehabilitate the Bay as well as restore and maintain its waters to a safe level.
Since 2019, more than 1.1 million cubic meters of solid wastes and silt have been dredged in the river systems, esteros, and coastal areas in the National Capital area of the Bay region.