January 17, 2022 | 9:22am
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it created offices in Metro Manila to boost the enforcement of environmental laws and solid waste management programs in the region.
Environment chief Roy Cimatu said the DENR field offices in Metro Manila will transition into Metropolitan Environmental Offices (MEOs), which are tasked to implement the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and comply with the Writ of Continuing Mandamus for Manila Bay’s rehabilitation issued by the Supreme Court in 2008.
In 2019, four DENR field offices were established in Metro Manila.
“We have to strengthen our field offices to capacitate the local government units and to meet our audacious goals,” Cimatu said.
Apart from enforcing environmental laws in the capital, MEOs are also required to coordinate with non-governmental organizations and government agencies in order to clean up rivers and other bodies.
MEOs will offer technical assistance to the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. This will include monitoring water quality and proper disposal of solid and liquid waste.
These offices will work in coordination with the Department of Health and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. They will also coordinate with water concessionaires and LGUs to help complete a sewerage system and meet international sanitation standards throughout the region.
“We hope the public would feel the presence of the DENR even in their respective barangays or residences so that they will be reminded of their responsibilities in the proper disposal of their wastes for the greater good of their communities,” Cimatu said.
The DENR has made Manila Bay a priority, as it has been plagued by environmental problems like pollution. According to environmental groups, there are two main solutions to Manila Bay’s degrading environment: solid waste management and restoration of mangrove forests.