The Department of Transportation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Philippine Coast Guard have launched a Korean-donated marine clean-up vessel to strengthen pollution response and marine litter management in Manila Bay.
The MV Nilad, a 25-meter marine clean-up vessel donated through the Philippines’ partnership with the Government of the Republic of Korea, will serve as the centerpiece of the Enhancement of Marine Litter Management Project.
The project aims to reduce marine litter, improve environmental monitoring, and strengthen the government’s capacity to respond to pollution in Manila Bay.
Under the agreement, the DOTr, DENR, and PCG will jointly implement project activities to enhance environmental protection systems and improve marine pollution prevention and reduction efforts in the bay.
The DOTr and DENR will also establish a working arrangement for the operation, navigation, and environmental protection functions of the marine clean-up vessel.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the initiative reflects the shared responsibility of government agencies and international partners in protecting Manila Bay.
“Through the MV Nilad and our partnership with the DENR, PCG, and the Republic of Korea, we are strengthening our capability to keep our waters clean, respond to marine pollution, and preserve this vital ecosystem for future generations,” Lopez said.
DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the partnership will help advance a more coordinated and sustainable system for managing marine litter.
“It embodies our shared understanding that protecting our oceans is a responsibility no single agency can shoulder alone,” Cuna said.