A FLEET of equipment has been deployed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the desilting of Manila Bay. “This event marks the full-blast dredging within this critical section of Manila Bay. Our Bureau of Equipment, Regional and District Engineering Offices in Metro Manila have deployed a total of 28 equipment, and 50 personnel to operate 16 hours a day, 6 days a week,” said Secretary Mark A. Villar during the launch of the DPWH Sagip Manila Bay project on March 5. An estimated 225,000 cubic meters of silt will be removed across the approximately 1.5-kilometer stretch of Manila Bay from the Manila Yacht Club breakwater to the US Embassy. Mr. Villar also said that aside from the dredging activities at the bay, the DPWH is also conducting cleanup and declogging of the tributaries and drainage canals in Manila City. This is being undertaken in coordination with other agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Philippine Coast Guard. “We are working harmoniously with the DENR, the MMDA, other mandamus agencies and local government units for a holistic approach in cleaning Manila Bay. These tributaries or esteros and drainage pipes need to be cleaned and unclogged, as trash from these areas will eventually make their way to Manila Bay,” he said.

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