(File photo)
MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) will install 268 trash traps in tributaries leading to Pasig, Tullahan, Meycauayan, and Pampanga Rivers, determined to be among the most polluted rivers and major contributors to Manila Bay.
This project is in support of the National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction, and Management of Marine Litter (NPOA-ML) in accordance with DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2021-10 as the national marine litter framework plan with an overarching goal of “Zero Waste to Philippine Waters by 2040.”
EMB Director, Engr. William P. Cuñado, said the project aims to improve waste collection and disposal within the tributaries which can help reduce flooding during rainy season.
“We are working closely with the local government units, seeking their suggestions from procurement to installation, to ensure that these trash traps are installed in strategic locations and maximized for the benefit of the LGU and the communities residing in these waterbodies,” Cuñado said.
Cuñado added that the entire activities and strategies provided in the NPOA-ML are included in the top priorities of the DENR-EMB. NPOA-ML was developed to provide a blueprint to enhance the current efforts of the country in resource and waste management.
“We need to control the additional leakage of waste into our water bodies. For this year, EMB will augment the existing activities of the DENR related to the implementation of NPOA-ML,” Cuñado added.
A Memorandum of Agreement and a Deed of Donation (DOD) will be entered between the EMB Regional Office and the recipient LGUs. Under the MOA, procurement items such as brand-new trash traps, manually operated waste lifter, plastic boat, and tools/materials for operation will be distributed to the four identified rivers between the bureau and the local government units (LGUs) concerned.
“The LGUs will be monitoring the trash traps installed in their jurisdiction. Also, they will handle the collection, hauling and proper disposal of wastes from the trash traps, and the maintenance and operation of the equipment. And there will be Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for operators. Engagement of collection and disposal services through the LGUs will also be included to ensure that the collected waste will be properly disposed,” Cuñado said.
For the beneficiaries, a survey will be conducted by the contractor and to be approved by the EMB Regional Office for suitable sites to install the trash traps. The beneficiaries/recipients for this project are selected LGUs that have jurisdiction of area where the trash traps are installed.
The components of this project include: site survey and assessment; trash trap per linear meter; manually operated waste lifter; plastic boat; tools/materials for operation, and hauling/disposal.
For this project, over PHP100 million will be allocated for EMB-National Capital Region, and PHP152.4 million will be allotted for Region 3 (Central Luzon). For more information, you may visit www.emb.gov.ph. (PR)
