By Kenneth Marcos 
Early one morning, environmental officers gathered with notebooks and maps in hand, ready to sharpen their skills for a bigger task: protecting rivers, communities, and the waters of Manila Bay from pollution. For many of them, this work is not just a job but a daily duty that affects public health, food security, and the future of nearby cities.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Metropolitan Environmental Office–East recently conducted a specialized training to strengthen the knowledge and enforcement skills of its personnel on major environmental laws. The activity focused on Republic Act 6969, or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, and Republic Act 11898, known as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022.
The training aimed to improve how the office manages, monitors, and regulates toxic and hazardous substances, as well as plastic packaging waste. These efforts are part of the government’s broader push to align local enforcement with national environmental policies and standards, especially in highly urbanized and industrial areas in Metro Manila.
Experts from the Environmental Management Bureau–National Capital Region (EMB-NCR) led the discussions. Senior Environmental Management Specialist Anieflor Ullero explained the key provisions of the EPR Act and how it works alongside Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. She highlighted the role of large companies in reducing plastic waste by making them responsible for the recovery and proper disposal of the packaging they put into the market.
Under the EPR law, businesses are required to meet annual targets for plastic waste recovery. This policy is seen as a major step in reducing plastic pollution that often ends up in rivers, esteros, and eventually in Manila Bay. Plastic waste not only harms marine life but also affects fishing grounds and coastal livelihoods that many Filipino families depend on.
Meanwhile, Jessie P. Capiendo, Officer-in-Charge and Chief of the Chemical and Hazardous Waste Permitting Section, discussed the importance of RA 6969. He stressed proper identification, handling, transport, and monitoring of toxic and hazardous substances, especially during saturation inspections. These inspections are critical in areas with many factories, warehouses, and commercial establishments that use chemicals.
The training placed special focus on River Protection Officers who conduct daily field monitoring of waterways. Their role includes spotting signs of illegal dumping or illicit discharges that can contaminate water used for irrigation, aquaculture, and household needs. Strengthening their technical knowledge helps ensure faster action and more accurate reporting.
Members of the Enforcement Unit also benefited from the seminar. Sessions covered proper inspection procedures, clear documentation, and effective enforcement of environmental standards. These skills are essential to building strong cases against violators and ensuring that penalties serve as real deterrents.
DENR officials said continuous capacity building makes field personnel more prepared, proactive, and effective. Strong enforcement supports the long-term rehabilitation and protection of Manila Bay, a vital resource for fisheries, tourism, and food production.
As pressure from pollution and waste continues to grow, authorities stressed that well-trained environmental officers remain a key line of defense in protecting natural resources for present and future generations.
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