Local government units (LGUs) across Central Luzon are now better equipped to play a critical role in the ongoing Manila Bay rehabilitation. The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), through its Manila Bay Office (MBO), recently concluded a comprehensive regional training program on water quality monitoring, significantly enhancing the technical capabilities of Environment and Natural Resources Officers (ENROs).
This initiative, held from May 28 to 30, 2025, in Morong, Bataan, marked the final phase of a broader capacity-building series that also engaged LGUs in the National Capital Region (NCR) and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon provinces).
The training program was specifically designed to strengthen the ENROs’ proficiency in vital areas such as water quality sampling techniques and the accurate operation of monitoring equipment.
Through a blend of intensive lectures and practical field exercises, participants acquired essential skills crucial for the effective monitoring and management of various water bodies that directly impact Manila Bay.
EMB Region-3 Chief of Staff Geri-Geronimo R. Sañez emphasized the indispensable nature of sustained collaboration between national and local environmental stakeholders. “Let us continue to strengthen the partnership among EMB, DENR, and our LGUs,” he stated.
“Rest assured, we are fully committed to providing capacity development support, as you play a critical role in the Manila Bay rehabilitation. We remain open and ready to assist in our shared goal of environmental protection,” Sañez added.
By empowering LGUs to conduct consistent and accurate water quality monitoring, the EMB aims to ensure the robust implementation of environmental programs directly aligned with the overarching objectives to clean, rehabilitate, and restore Manila Bay and its tributaries.
This proactive initiative underscores the shared responsibility of national and local governments in collectively safeguarding and revitalizing the ecological integrity of the iconic Manila Bay.