Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso has called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to consider relocating one of the sewage treatment plants (STP) along Roxas Boulevard to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex, saying the facility obstructs the famed Manila Bay sunset view.

Speaking during the Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting held Tuesday morning, Nov. 4, at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) headquarters, Domagoso said the existing STPs along the bayfront, while essential, have become “eyesores” that diminish the city’s tourism appeal.

“May dalawa po tayo doon sa Roxas [Boulevard]. Nagiging eyesore na siya as we progress. Okay naman, maganda yung intention, (We have two of those along Roxas Boulevard. They’re becoming eyesores as we move forward. The intention is good) I have no disagreement,” Domagoso said.

The mayor explained that his proposal seeks to balance environmental protection with improved urban aesthetics and better use of public spaces.

He suggested redirecting existing pipelines to an open area within the CCP complex, where a larger and more efficient STP could be built.

“Kung puwede, pipe lang naman ‘yun, i-redirect na lang doon sa may open space sa CCP. Baka doon na lang kayo magtayo ng bagong STP na mas malaki pa (If possible, it’s just a pipe anyway, you can just redirect it to the open space at the CCP. Maybe you can build a new, even bigger STP there instead),” Domagoso told Public Works Secretary Vivencio "Vince" Dizon, who attended the meeting.

Domagoso said relocating the facility would help restore the visual and tourism value of the Manila Bay area, long known for its iconic sunset.

“Kung maibalik naman namin ‘yung ginhawa ng aming binebentang ‘Manila Sunset,’ kasi wala na kaming makita ngayon, dahil sunod-sunod na, pati opisina tambakan ng makina (If we could bring back the comfort and appeal of what we’re selling as the ‘Manila Sunset,’ because we can’t see it anymore, there are so many structures now, even offices are piled up with machines),” he said, lamenting that unmaintained structures have marred the area’s appearance.

He also criticized the white fences surrounding some of the sewage treatment plants, describing them as unsightly and lacking aesthetic consideration.

Despite his criticisms, Domagoso emphasized that the city government continues to support the DPWH’s ongoing infrastructure improvements, including flood control and drainage upgrades across Manila.

“Thanks to DPWH recently, they are now re-piping the Taft Avenue area, with much bigger pipes na kasalukuyang nakasalang ngayon,” he said, referring to the drainage enhancement project in the Ermita-Malate district.

The DPWH and DENR have yet to comment on Domagoso’s proposal as of press time.