Members of the Manila Bay Task Force (MBTF) and other stakeholders check the sand of Baseco Beach in Tondo, Manila on January 26 to celebrate the first year anniversary of the “Battle for Manila Bay.” From a trash-filled 500-meter shoreline, the beach is now free of plastic and other solid waste. Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu (front row, 5th from left), chair of the MBTF called on the public to continue supporting the rehabilitation program to bring back the clean waters of Manila Bay. Joining Cimatu are (front row, L-R) Tourism Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno, Philippine Coast Guard Commander for Environmental Protection Rear Admiral George Ursabia Jr., Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Supreme Court chief justice Diosdado Peralta, Senator Cynthia Villar, Bgy. Baseco Chair Diana Espinosa, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Danilo Lim, and Bureau of Soils and Water Management Director Sonia Salguero. ###