The Department of the Interior and Local Government has partnered with various non-government organizations (NGOs) in the conduct of clean-up drive at the Manila Bay.

In a statement, the DILG-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) Office said the activity was part of the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation and Preservation Program (MBCRPP).

DILG Las Piñas City Director Mary Anne B. Planas expressed her gratitude to all the participants, volunteers, and to 1Filipino Foundation for “their support in this crucial initiative to clean the Dalig Creek.’’

She also emphasized that the regular clean-up activities in the city and the barangays contribute to maintaining the cleanliness of Manila Bay and rehabilitating the waterways that are tributaries to the Bay.

Nunnatus ‘Toots’ A. Cortez, president of 1Filipino Foundation, reiterated that sustainable practices and environmental consciousness are core principles that underpin the foundation’s efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos. 

He noted that the efforts are organized around four pillars of intervention: livelihood, environment, education, and healthcare.

Given their common purpose, 1Filipino Foundation and DILG-NCR entered into a partnership agreement and formalized the same with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding last year.

Raymond Gerard de Asis, chief of the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) commended those involved in the clean-up drive, adding that small individual actions, taken together can lead to significant changes. 

He also encouraged everyone to continue actively participating in environmental protection initiatives in order to create a healthier and more vibrant Manila Bay.

“The highlight of the event was the donation of three boats, and the provision of cleanup implements and materials by the 1Filipino Foundation to the recipient barangays of Las Piñas City,’’ the DILG stated.