INITIAL HEADWAYS OF DENR’S ADOPT-AN-ESTERO PROGRAM INTRODUCTION The „Adopt - an- Estero Program‟ was launched in 2010 as a flagship program led by DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje as a collaborative undertaking among the estero community, private entities, local government units (LGUs) and the DENR. This program sought to be a direct response to the continuing mandamus by the Supreme Court for agencies led by the DENR to clean up Manila Bay, particularly through the esteros and waterways that empty into it. Realizing the need to address the water pollution problem in the country, the Regional Offices of the Environmental Management Bureau-DENR had been directed to undertake a similar program in the regions. The program also sought to provide an integrated undertaking in the light of the recent major floodings in Metro Manila and other parts of the country. In effect, the different aspects of adapting to the changing patterns of climate, proper solid waste management (SWM), ambient water quality protection and the participation of the private sector were rolled into one umbrella program. These include: The institutionalization of good sanitation and SWM practices among the estero communities through education and actual participation; Reduction of water-borne disease particularly among children and vulnerable groups; Reduction of incidence and risks of prolonged flooding caused by unimpeded water flow; Minimization of additional pollution loads into receiving surface waters, e.g., lakes and seas; and Sustainability integration through the strengthening public-private-community partnerships, mainstreaming into regular LGU programs and passage of complementary local policies. ENHANCING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS (PPP) Taking on from the original objectives to clean up canals and creeks of wastes, debris and silt through community mobilization and information, education and communication programs, the support of the private sector was enhanced to increase the coverage of the program. In fact, barely a year since it was launched, 208 Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) were already inked . This translates to approximately 200 corporate entities and LGUs expressing their commitment and resources to serve as guardians of flood-prone waterways all over the country. Included among these private sector partners are Manila North Tollways Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, Amkor Technology Philippines, Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, Philex, Apex Mining, Philphos, Holcim Philippines,Philippine Associated Shell Philippines, Coca Cola, Jollibee, Chowking, Kia Motors, DMCI Masbate Power Corporation, Skyway Operators and Management Coorporation, and the others. Table 1 shows the number of MOAs signed per region. Annex 1 shows the adopted water bodies per region and the corresponding private sector partners.
DENR Philippines Government Report on the adoption of water-bodies by the government and private entities to do clean up and rehabilitation activities.
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INITIAL HEADWAYS OF DENR’S ADOPT-AN-ESTERO PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION
The „Adopt- an- Estero Program‟ was launched in 2010 as a flagship program led by
DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje as a collaborative undertaking among the estero community,
private entities, local government units (LGUs) and the DENR. This program sought to be a
direct response to the continuing mandamus by the Supreme Court for agencies led by the DENR
to clean up Manila Bay, particularly through the esteros and waterways that empty into it.
Realizing the need to address the water pollution problem in the country, the Regional Offices of
the Environmental Management Bureau-DENR had been directed to undertake a similar program
in the regions. The program also sought to provide an integrated undertaking in the light of the
recent major floodings in Metro Manila and other parts of the country. In effect, the different
aspects of adapting to the changing patterns of climate, proper solid waste management (SWM),
ambient water quality protection and the participation of the private sector were rolled into one
umbrella program. These include:
The institutionalization of good sanitation and SWM practices among the estero
communities through education and actual participation;
Reduction of water-borne disease particularly among children and vulnerable groups;
Reduction of incidence and risks of prolonged flooding caused by unimpeded water flow;
Minimization of additional pollution loads into receiving surface waters, e.g., lakes and
seas; and
Sustainability integration through the strengthening public-private-community
partnerships, mainstreaming into regular LGU programs and passage of complementary
local policies.
ENHANCING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS (PPP)
Taking on from the original objectives to clean up canals and creeks of wastes, debris and
silt through community mobilization and information, education and communication programs,
the support of the private sector was enhanced to increase the coverage of the program. In fact,
barely a year since it was launched, 208 Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) were already inked .
This translates to approximately 200 corporate entities and LGUs expressing their commitment
and resources to serve as guardians of flood-prone waterways all over the country. Included
among these private sector partners are Manila North Tollways Corporation, San Miguel
Corporation, Amkor Technology Philippines, Philippine Mine Safety and Environment