Soldiers join Manila Bay cleanup

MANILA, Philippines — Some 1,163 soldiers trooped to the coastal areas of Las Piñas and Parañaque yesterday to help clean up Manila Bay.

The activity coincided with the start of the month-long celebration of the Philippine Army’s 122nd founding anniversary.

Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Rizaldo Limoso and Ignacio Almira, assistant regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), led the cleanup at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area.

Active and reserve personnel of the Army participated in cleaning the 175-hectare wetland ecosystem. 

The Army said the area is a critical habitat that serves a vital role in the survival of threatened, restricted-range and congregatory bird species.

The Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Maynilad, San Miguel Corp., city environment offices of Parañaque and Las Piñas, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, CAVITEx and National Capital Region Police also showed their support for the Manila Bay rehabilitation.

The activity is part of the Army’s cleanup drive involving other major units across the country in partnership with the DENR.

“The Army is committed not only to defend and serve the country, but also contribute to its progress, including a clean and healthy environment for the next generation,” Limoso said.

The Philippine Army said it conducted the activity in support to the government’s campaign to preserve the environment.