The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that they need P43 billion to fully rehabilitate Manila Bay.
During the House budget hearing on the proposed P25,295,589,000 budget for the DENR in 2022, Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones said around P3 billion was spent on the project since 2019
“Ito po yung ginawa natin after the issuance of Administrative Order No.16. Based po sa mga planning ng inter-agency, nag-come up kami ng P43 billion,” he said.
The administrative order formed a Manila Bay Task Force and spearheaded the restoration and rehabilitation efforts of the bay.
Leones further explained that the funds will be allocated for various projects that would solve the issues at Manila Bay, including the relocation of residents and the restoration of water quality.
The said projects are targeted to be implemented in several years and would require various agencies to contribute.
DENR’s top 10 priority programs for 2022 include the rehabilitation of Manila Bay with a proposed P1 billion budget.
DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said more funds are needed for the national greening program, which was “drastically” reduced from their budget proposal.
“The single program that was cut drastically in our proposal is the national greening program and for this, we would like to manifest our request if ever this will be considered,” he said. Ronald Espartinez