By Kenneth Marcos 
On a warm morning by the shores of Parañaque, government officials, local leaders, and community partners gathered with one shared goal—to protect and restore the life of Manila Bay. The sea breeze carried both hope and urgency as stakeholders reflected on how far the cleanup has come and what more needs to be done.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), through its Manila Bay Site Coordinating and Management Office (MBSCMO), took part in the 2025 Manila Bay Day Stakeholders Forum held in Parañaque City. The forum carried the theme “Daluyong ng Pagkakaisa: Harnessing Collective Action Towards a Cleaner and Resilient Manila Bay,” highlighting the need for unity in addressing long-standing environmental problems in the bay.
Representing DENR-NCR, Site Coordinating and Managing Officer Haidee D. Pabalate served as both presenter and panelist in a key session titled “How Far We’ve Come in Restoring the Life of Manila Bay: Status, Milestones, and Moving Forward.” During the discussion, she shared updates on the ongoing rehabilitation efforts, major achievements, and the challenges that continue to slow down progress.
Pabalate explained that while visible improvements have been recorded in certain areas, restoring Manila Bay remains a complex task. Pollution from rivers, untreated wastewater, solid waste, and unregulated coastal activities still threaten the bay’s ecosystem. She stressed that solutions must go beyond cleanup drives and focus on long-term planning and strict enforcement.
Among the strategies discussed was the implementation of Integrated River Basin Management. This approach looks at rivers as connected systems, from uplands to the sea, ensuring that pollution is addressed at its source. She also highlighted the importance of enforcing environmental laws consistently, especially at the local level, where implementation often faces resource and manpower limits.
Engineering solutions, such as improved drainage and flood control systems, were also presented alongside nature-based solutions. These include mangrove rehabilitation, wetland restoration, and green infrastructure that can naturally filter pollutants while protecting communities from flooding and storm surges. According to DENR-NCR, combining science, engineering, and nature offers better and more sustainable results.
A strong message during the forum was the need for active community participation. Pabalate emphasized that government action alone is not enough. Households, businesses, and local groups must take part by practicing proper waste disposal, supporting local ordinances, and joining environmental programs. DENR-NCR, she said, continues to provide technical guidance and capacity-building training to local government units to help them carry out these responsibilities effectively.
The forum was led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region under the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program–Program Management Team. It served as a platform for sharing experiences, aligning plans, and strengthening cooperation among national agencies, LGUs, civil society, and the private sector.
As the Manila Bay rehabilitation enters another year, officials reminded participants that progress depends on sustained and united action. Protecting the bay is not only about saving a body of water, but also about securing livelihoods, public health, and a safer environment for future generations.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News