Trash fill the stretch of Manila Baywalk as raging waves spew garbage from Manila Bay during the onslaught of monsoon rains.

MANILA, Philippines – Waves of trash have accumulated in Manila Bay in the aftermath of a heavy downpour over the weekend.

Piles of garbage were seen reaching Roxas Boulevard eventually obstructing traffic.

Volunteers from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Manila City government continue to collect mounts of garbage believed to have come from various parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

 “Lahat ng basura na umanod na hanggang Roxas Boulevard ay kailangang ligpitin natin at mapanatiling malinis ang Roxas Boulevard,” said ASEC Celine Pialago, MMDA Spokesperson.

Since Saturday, clearing personnel were able to collect up to 10 truckloads of garbage from Manila Bay.

Most of them were items made of plastic and styrofoam as well as bamboo poles believed to have been disentangled from damage fish cages in nearby areas.

The MMDA expects the clearing operation along the stretch of Manila Baywalk area to last until next week. – Asher Cadapan Jr. / Marje Pelayo

Tags: Manila Bay, MMDA, Roxas Boulevard

MANILA, Philippines – Piles of garbage float on Manila Bay in Roxas Boulevard as rains continue to pour since the weekend.

Personnel from  Manila City’s Department of Public Service on Monday said they have been collecting at least a truckload of rubbish every day since the official start of the rainy season last week as declared by weather bureau PAGASA.

Items recovered from the trash include styrofoam and plastic materials as well as bamboo trunks believed to be from damaged fish cages in nearby lakes.

The Manila City hall has been continuously clearing the Bay since 5:00 a.m. Monday, June 11. – Asher Cadapan Jr.

Tags: Manila Bay, Roxas Boulevard

MANILA, Philippines – The clearing operations are still underway along Roxas Boulevard and other major thoroughfares in Manila as part of the preparations for the ASEAN Summit.

Since last week, Manila Police have been on alert, day in and day out.

Task Force Manila Clean-up Chief Che Borromeo said they still go back to areas that they have cleared ahead to ensure that they are free of street vendors and informal settlers.

“Mayroon kasi tayong mga lehitimong street vendors. Pinapayagan naman natin sila basta tama lang iyong lugar nila. Panatilihin nilang malinis at inaayos naman natin sila kung saan sila pupwede at hindi pwede . . . iyong iba hindi talaga pupwede lalo na iyong Roxas Boulevard magkakaroon ng lock down. Hindi pwedeng . . . magtinda doon dahil talagang guwardyado,” Borromeo said.

(We have legitimate street vendors. We allow them to operate their business as long as it’s in a proper location. They should keep the area clean and we will place them accordingly, but there are areas that are really not allowed particularly along Roxas Boulevard, there’s going to be a lock-down. They are not allowed to sell there because it will be heavily guarded.)

The displaced street vendors, however, will be given alternative areas in the barangays where they can still sell.

One of the major plans of the Manila LGU is to maintain the order and cleanliness of rehabilitated areas.

The LGU wants to set an example in strictly implementing order in Manila that is why they plan to make this a continuing program even after the ASEAN Summit.

“Pagkatapos ng ASEAN dapat i- maintain natin iyong mga lugar na hindi dapat puntahan ng mga … homeless, iyong mga vendors katulad ng Roxas Boulevard. Kapag andoon sila unang- una peligro. Pangalawa hindi maganda sa tao dahil ito iyong Baywalk na tinatawag natin,” Borromeo said.

(After ASEAN, we should continue to keep the homeless and vendors away from certain areas such as Roxas Boulevard. Firstly, it’s dangerous for them to stay there. Secondly, it does not look good because this is the Baywalk.)

The Task Force Clean Manila appeals for public cooperation as Manila is considered to be the face representing the country.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coastguard on Wednesday started to implement the no-sail zone along Manila Bay and no-fly zone in Metro and Mega Manila, particularly at Rizal Park, Sangley Point in Cavite, Plaridel Airport in Bulacan, and the Subic International Airport in Olongapo. – Aiko Miguel | UNTV News & Rescue

Tags: ASEAN Summi, Chief Che Borromeo, DSWD, Manila, Roxas Boulevard, Task Force Clean Manila