On January 27, 2019, DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu officially declared the start of the Manila Rehabilitation at the Baywalk in Manila. On hand to witness the declaration, and also joined in the earlier event of Solidarity Walk from the Quirino Grandstand to the staging area (Baywalk), were about 5,000 individuals, mostly representing the 13 Mandamus agencies, local government units, and private sector.
Calling it the “Battle for Manila Bay,” Cimatu, a former Armed Forces chief, said: “This is one battle that will be won not with force or arms, but with the firm resolve to bring Manila Bay back to life.”
He added: “With the commitment and determination of every Filipino to do his share in this rehabilitation effort, we have already won the battle for Manila Bay.”
MANILA BAY REHABILITATION
Phase 1- Cleanup/Water Quality Improvement
Cleanup of designated esteros and waterways;
Reduce fecal coliform level and toxic discharges from houses and establishments by causing connection to existing STPs and requiring STPs for gov’t, commercial, industrial, and educational establishments;
Inspect and repair leaks in old sewer lines;
Provide temporary sanitation facilities to informal settlers residing along esteros and shorelines pending relocation;
Implement solid waste management; and
Start planning for the relocation of informal settlers
Phase 2 – Rehabilitation and Resettlement
Rehabilitation of old sewer lines in NCR
Relocation of informal settlers
Ensure completion of 340 MLD of Maynilad and Manila Water by 2022
Phase 3 – Education and Sustainment
Continuing education of citizens to protect the gains
Sustained law enforcement and monitoring
Fast tracking/ Earlier completion of the sewerage system in Metro Manila from 2037 to 2026