Forums on Manila Bay rehab program held

ABUCAY, Bataan – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bataan is conducting forums among punong barangays and other local officials in towns forming part of the Manila Bay area.

Mila Ramirez, DENR Bataan officer and Manila Bay rehabilitation program focal person, said the conduct of forums dubbed MANILA BAYanihan Para sa Kalinisan aims to inform village officials and other local officials on their role in the rehabilitation of the bay.

She said lectures on how Bataan affects Manila Bay, best practices on solid waste management, local shelter plan, good fishery practices, and habitat and resources rehabilitation are thoroughly discussed.

The DENR Bataan last week successively conducted the forums among punong barangays and other local officials of the towns of Pilar and Abucay. She said the forum was already conducted in Balanga City early this year.

Ramirez said they are targeting to hold forums in the towns of Mariveles and Samal in the latter part of the year. She added the orientation in the remaining towns of Hermosa, Orani, Orion and Limay will be held next year.

DENR Bataan is the lead agency of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Manila Bay rehabilitation program in the province. Members of the TWG include PIA, DILG, DPWH, NHA, Bataan Peninsula State University, provincial government of Bataan, and concerned local government units.

MANILA BAYanihan Para Sa Kalinisan was hatched by the DENR and concerned local government units around Manila Bay aiming to rehabilitate and revitalize the bay.

The DENR Bataan through the leadership of PENRO Raul Mamac is in full swing implementing its programs that include National Greening Program, Handog Titulo, and Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, among others.