AT least 268 trash traps will be installed in tributaries leading to Pasig, Tullahan, Meycauayan, and Pampanga Rivers in order to improve waste collection and disposal within the said tributaries, which can help reduce flooding during the rainy season.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Director Engr. William P. Cuñado disclosed that the rivers are determined to be among the “most polluted rivers” and major contributors to Manila Bay.

Cuñado said that the project is in support of the National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction, and Management of Marine Litter (NPOA-ML) in accordance with DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2021-10 as the national marine litter framework plan with an overarching goal of “Zero Waste to Philippine Waters by 2040”.

“We are working closely with the local government units (LGUs), seeking their suggestions from procurement to installation, to ensure that these trash traps are installed in strategic locations and maximized for the benefit of the LGU and the communities residing in these water bodies,” Cuñado said.

Cuñado added that the entire activities and strategies provided in the NPOA-ML are included in the top priorities of the DENR-EMB. The NPOA-ML was developed to provide a blueprint to enhance the current efforts of our country in resource and waste management.

“We need to control the additional leakage of waste into our water bodies. For this year, EMB will augment the existing activities of the DENR related to the implementation of NPOA-ML,” Cuñado explained.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and a Deed of Donation (DOD) will be entered between the EMB Regional Office and the recipient LGUs for the procurement of items such as brand-new trash traps, manually operated waste lifters, plastic boats, and tools/materials for operation will be distributed to the four identified rivers between the bureau and the LGUs concerned.

“The LGUs will be monitoring the trash traps installed in their jurisdiction. Also, they will handle the collection, hauling, and proper disposal of wastes from the trash traps and the maintenance and operation of the equipment. And there will be Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for operators. Engagement of collection and disposal services through the LGUs will also be included to ensure that the collected waste will be properly disposed,” Cuñado said.

For the beneficiaries, a survey will be conducted by the contractor and to be approved by the EMB Regional Office for suitable sites to install the trash traps. The beneficiaries/recipients for this project are selected LGUs that have jurisdiction over the area where the trash traps are installed.

The components of the project include the Site Survey and Assessment; trash trap per linear meter; manually operated waste lifter; plastic boat; tools/materials for operation, and hauling/disposal.

For this project, the EMB-National Capital Region has allocated the amount of P100,160,000, and for Region 3, an allocation of P150,240,000 with a total of P250.4 million.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Cory Martinez