To further intensify the enforcement of environmental laws and solid waste management programs in Metro Manila, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued an administrative order creating the Metropolitan Environmental Offices (MEOs) in the National Capital Region (NCR).
"The DENR field offices in Metro Manila will transition to MEOs and will be tasked to implement and comply with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act 9003), and the Writ of Continuing Mandamus for Manila Bay issued by the Supreme Court in 2008," Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said in a statement released on Monday, Jan. 17.
Cimatu said that the MEOs will serve as frontline units to enforce environmental laws, rules, and regulations in the NCR. It will also coordinate with partner government agencies and non-governmental organizations to clean up rivers and other water bodies.
Each MEO will be supervised by an undersecretary, assistant secretary, and director, according to the DENR administrative order.
These offices will assist the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units (LGUs) in monitoring water quality and proper solid waste disposal in their areas of jurisdictions, according to the statement.
MEOs will also coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH), the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), water concessionaires, and LGUs to guarantee the sewerage system's completion and ensure proper sanitation in the entire region.
"We have to strengthen our field offices to capacitate the local government units (LGUs) and to meet our audacious goals. Also, to take on more challenges that will be on our way this 2022," Cimatu said.