The four Metro Manila field offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have reported their accomplishments in the strengthening of environmental laws during the first quarter of 2022.
DENR Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna commended the Metropolitan Environmental Offices (MEOs) for actively taking action in strengthening the enforcement of the department’s policies and programs.
The North MEO, which covers the CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela) area, reported the completion of the Valenzuela sewage treatment plant by June 30, 2022.
Meanwhile, the East MEO, which covers the cities of Quezon, Marikina and Pasig, completed 54.2 percent of its annual target for the regular clean-up of 96 esteros and monitored 56 rivers and waterways in the area.
The South MEO, which has jurisdiction over Taguig, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa and Pateros, and West MEO, covering the cities of Manila, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati and Pasay have initiated clean-up operations and mangrove planting activities, inspected water outfalls, and conducted information, education and communication campaigns.
“I congratulate them for a job well done, but this is just the beginning. We would continue improving our work to capacitate our local government units (LGUs) for the good of our communities,” Sampulna said.
The four field offices were created in 2019 and transitioned into MEOs in January 2022 to comply with the Supreme Court order to restore the water quality of Manila Bay to class SB to make it fit for swimming, skin-diving, and other forms of contact recreation.
The MEOs are mandated to coordinate with partner agencies and non-government organizations in cleaning up rivers and other bodies of water.
“I am very happy to note that you have always collaborated with the offices during reporting. I think it is very important that you have identified the areas of cooperation where they can come in even in a temporary capacity, because that is essential for us,” DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations and Environment and Supervising Undersecretary of MEOs Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna said. ###
