SHIP DEPLOYMENT TO STRENGTHEN MANILA BAY RESTORATION DRIVE

The rehabilitation of Manila Bay is expected to be strengthened following the inauguration of a South Korea-donated marine cleanup vessel designed to enhance the country’s capacity to collect floating waste and address pollution.

The vessel, MV Nilad, was provided through the Korea International Cooperation Agency under an $8.2-million project aimed at enhancing marine litter management in the bay.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Manila Bay remains heavily polluted with plastics and debris that threaten marine life, public health, and local livelihoods.

He noted that the project addresses the need for a dedicated vessel capable of continuous cleanup operations and emergency response.

The MV Nilad, which will be operated by the DENR and the Philippine Coast Guard, can collect and store up to 10 tons of waste per operation.

Source: PhilNews24 | July 2, 2026