The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is taking the Manila Bay rehabilitation works down to the esteros and rivers draining into the bay. On March 31, simultaneous cleanup of Manila Bay tributaries, dubbed the “Battle for the Rivers and Esteros,” will be conducted and aims to involve communities and empower them in protecting their own waterways, DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said. According to the DENR chief, the first phase involves the cleanup of esteros and waterways, reduction of fecal coliform level and other discharges from establishments, implementation of solid waste management, and planning for the relocation of informal settlers.

De Vera-Ruiz, E. (2019, March 29). DENR mobilizing communities in cleaning esteros and rivers draining into Manila Bay. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 6.