DENR to reduce pollution in Manila Bay

The Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is to reduce pollution in Manila Bay by 50% by 2015.

DENR secretary Ramon Paje said that the agency will work in collaboration with other agencies to fast-track the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

The bay’s waters contain high levels of coliforms and lack interconnected and efficient sewerage treatment facilities.

The Manila Bay Advisory Council has recently given concerned agencies specific directives to reduce the pollution.

The agencies will prioritise private households without facilities for sewage treatment or disposal, and will plan the relocation of informal settlers.