THE Manila Yacht Club (MYC) sails through the challenge of saving Manila Bay from further degradation in the next couple of years as its new leadership vows to push both the public and private sectors to abide by the existing environmental laws that seek to protect this world-renowned coast that is famous for its beautiful sunset.
MYC Commodore Robert L. Joseph was referring to various pieces of legislation in place, such as the Clean Water Act, the Solid Waste Management Law, and the Rainwater Catchment Law or Republic Act 6716, among others, that have been already enacted for almost three decades yet seemed not fully enforced.
According to him, the Philippines has the best set of environmental laws in Asia and among the best in the world.
“But unfortunately, they are not being implemented,” he told reporters in an interview following the ceremonial turnover of command held at the Club’s traditional Opening Day at 2351 Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila, on Saturday. “So what I‘ll do is use them.”
The newly installed top official of the country’s premier yacht organization revealed that MYC will conduct a dialogue with all the stakeholders in Manila Bay to ensure that the wastewaters they release there are safe and clean.
Manila Bay has been a catch basin in the metropolis since time immemorial. Effluents coming from the surrounding local government units (LGUs), including those from the residential areas, commercial and industrial establishments, are discharged to two big sewage pipes near the MYC and the US Embassy in Manila.
Specifically, the group will talk to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for compliance of LGUs with environmental laws.
“We will seek the assistance of the CoA [Commission on Audit] and the Ombudsman to file charges for those who will not adhere or implement the laws,” Joseph said. “What we will be asking with the CoA is an environmental compliance audit.”
He added that they will discuss with Manila Water and Maynilad the need for them to process the wastewater they have thrown into the bay.
“That’s the responsibility for them to have a franchise. To supply water to homes, they have to give water and be responsible of taking out water,” the commodore said of both the water concessionaires’ share of protecting the Manila Bay since they have their own treatment plants.
Various studies reveal the diminishing quality of water in Manila Bay, including that of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which reveals the presence of waterborne bacteria.
The Manila City Health Department, on the other hand, found out the higher than normal levels of fecal pollution that could come from animal or human bodily wastes.
Other coliform organisms and potential toxins from ship oil and gas, likewise, add to the contamination.
All these make the bay water unfit for humans as it can cause various diseases and, at the same time, contribute to its filth.
Commodore Joseph attributed to dirty seawaters and floating wastes the dwindling water activities, like boating, along Manila Bay.
“Sailing has not been so good in Manila,” he said. “Why is it that people don’t want to sail here? It’s because of the polluted water.”
The top official of MYC shared that they will continue to hold sailing events not only to attract more tourists, but also to provide employment opportunities.
“My plan is to get 10 poor people and teach them how to sail. And then when they know how to sail they can work in sailboats. With their experience, they will be also hired abroad,” Joseph said. “We’re the MYC. We started sailing [in the country]. So we can get them trained here.”
Established in 1927, MYC is a members-only yacht club based in the country’s capital. One of the oldest of its kind in Asia, it has around 200 active members and over 100 life members.
Image credits: Roderick L. Abad
1 comment
I couldn’t agree more. So many opportunities in our grasp if we could only protect our waters.