Nearly 16,000 people from 181 Metro Manila barangays — all volunteers — collected more than 70 tons of solid waste from esteros and rivers during the simultaneous cleanup of Manila Bay tributaries on 1 April, which was part of the massive efforts to rehabilitate the heavily polluted bay.

What was notable during the simultaneous event was the improper disposal of solid waste among the communities involved

The cleanup is part of the “Battle for Manila Bay” project.

“Volunteerism is the most important part of the project,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said, adding he was overwhelmed by the turnout. He said the tributaries account for the bulk of pollution load to the bay.

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