Senate Hearing on Flood Control and Manila Bay’s Reclamation Projects You Need to Know!

The hearing discussed various issues regarding waste management, the impact of reclamation projects on Manila Bay, and the integration of environmental programs with flood control. Here is a detailed summary of the key points:

1. Extended Producers Responsibility Law (EPR Law):

   • The EPR Law mandates corporations to collect their own packaging products. Under this law, 937 corporations with a capitalization of P100M and above, including fast-moving consumer goods corporations, are now involved in the collection of their packaging.
   • The DENR has coordinated with the private sector and LGUs to ensure the collection of plastic products.

2. Budget for Ecological Solid Waste Management:

   • For 2024, the DENR has allocated P334 million for solid waste management. According to the Secretary, this is part of the larger DENR budget of P3.28 billion.
   • The possibility of integrating solid waste management with the flood control program was discussed, which the DPWH and DENR secretaries agreed upon due to the contribution of waste to flooding.

3. Solid Waste Management and Flood Control in Metro Manila:

   • Metro Manila produces 9,369 tons of waste daily, equivalent to almost 500 truckloads of garbage.
   • The DPWH, along with the World Bank Assisted Program, is working to address solid waste management and internal drainage in Metro Manila.

4. Progress of Ecological Solid Waste Management in the Country:

   • The senator requested an update from the DENR on accomplishments under the 9003 law (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) after 23 years.
   • The DENR stated that they are coordinating with various agencies and LGUs to implement programs, including providing technical assistance and equipment support.

5. Reclamation Projects in Manila Bay:

   • 2,576 hectares of Manila Bay have been reclaimed in the NCR area.
   • The DENR is conducting a cumulative impact assessment for the reclamation projects, which, according to interim results, show negative impacts on the water quality and ecological balance of the bay.
   • The suspension of reclamation projects in 2023 was implemented pending recommendations from the DENR.

6. Supreme Court Mandamus Order:

   • The Mandamus Order directs thirteen government agencies to clean up Manila Bay, with the DENR as the lead implementing agency.
   • The allocation of funds from 2019-2024, totaling P7.47 billion, was discussed, along with major accomplishments like the construction of sewage treatment plants.

7. Challenges in Program Implementation:

   • The issue of fuel shortages for some MMDA pumping stations, which caused problems in flood control, was discussed. The MMDA clarified that the Libertad Pumping Station had problems due to a fire, not a fuel shortage.
   • Senators suggested stricter monitoring of LGUs and their implementation of solid waste management plans, as well as accountability for LGU officials.

8. Private Sector Initiatives:

   • The San Miguel Group coordinated with the DPWH and DENR for the dredging of rivers in Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, and Navotas to assist with localized flooding.

Overall, the hearing emphasized the need for collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and LGUs to improve waste management, implement flood control programs, and ensure the environmental integrity of Manila Bay.