Manila Water joined simultaneous cleanup activities in different parts of Metro Manila last September 17 in celebration of this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day and in observance of the National Cleanup Month.
Together with volunteers from the public and private sectors, employees from Manila Water Foundation (MWF), Wastewater Operations, Advocacy and Research Department, Project Management Group, Enterprise Regulatory Affairs Group and 503rd reservists of the Company cleared waste and debris along the coast of Manila Bay and Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach in a nationwide cleanup drive organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Manila water said in a news release.
According to DENR, the event was attended by 4,000 volunteers and a total of 3,500 sacks of garbage was collected.
In Taguig City, army reservists from Manila Water joined the cleanup drive at Pinagsama Creek.
The company brought water tankers and provided water stations for volunteers, with water safe for drinking and handwashing.
MWF, in partnership with Unicef, distributed bottles of alcohol for the attendees.
Protection of water bodies has always been one of the key initiatives of Manila Water’s environmental advocacy, notably “Toka Toka,” the first and only environmental movement in the country that promotes proper management of wastewater in every household as an important share (or “toka”) in reviving rivers and waterways.
Manila Water, in partnership with local and national government agencies and barangays, conduct tree planting, waterway cleanups and desludging caravans.
“This day is a call to action for every one of us to take part in keeping our coasts and beaches clean. We remain steadfast in our commitment to help in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay,” said Jennifer de los Santos, head of Manila Water’s Advocacy and Research Department.
“We continue to pitch our part with the able help of our partners—the DENR, DENR-National Capital Region, Laguna Lake Development Authority, Local Water Utilities Administration and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System—to whom we extend our sincerest gratitude,” de los Santos added.
The company also joined the series of synchronized waterway cleanup drive organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in partnership with different barangays in Metro Manila.
Last September 10, Manila Water volunteer employees assisted in cleaning the Maytunas Creek in Barangay Addition Hills in San Juan City, and Buhangin Creek in Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City.