The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Saturday joined the International Coastal Cleanup at the Baseco Beach in Tondo, Manila as part of its commitment to help save the environment.
MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said more than 200 personnel from different offices of the agency participated in the event spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“We called on everyone to take part in the annual ICC activity that will bring together national agencies, local government units, environmentalists and volunteers to collect trash littering the coastline,” Lim said.
Volunteers brought cleaning materials, gloves and sacks for removing trash in the foreshore areas of Manila.
“Aside from our regular cleanup drive for the rehabilitation of the Manila Bay, the MMDA continues to be a part of many other initiatives to advocate environmental protection,” added Lim.
Most of the collected garbage at the bay are bamboo poles and driftwood which had been carried by currents from nearby fish pens, water hyacinths, plastics, and household waste, among others.
Lim tapped members of the agency’s Road Emergency Group to administer medical assistance in case anyone gets injured. Four rubber boats, portalets, vans and support vehicles were also dispatched.
Presidential Proclamation No. 470 declares the third Sunday of September of each year as the International Coastal Cleanup Day in observance of the Global Coastal Cleanup celebrations.