The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday signed a five-year memorandum of agreement with Dutch nonprofit organization The Ocean Cleanup, aimed at removing waste pollution in the Pasig River and the Manila Bay, as reported by BusinessWorld .
Environment Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Jonas R. Leones and The Ocean Cleanup founder signed the agreement. The nonprofit, founded by Boyan Slat, specializes in developing technologies to intercept plastic pollution in rivers and oceans before it reaches the sea.
The collaboration is expected to accelerate cleanup efforts in two of the country's most polluted waterways, which have long been a focal point for environmental advocacy. DENR officials said the partnership aligns with national goals to restore water quality and protect marine ecosystems.