A total of 2,350 sacks of garbage had been removed from Manila's Dolomite Beach following the onslaught of typhoon "Karding," the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources reported Tuesday.
The DENR said its so-called "Estero Rangers" were joined by personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Department of Public Services of the city government of Manila in the undertaking.
According to DENR MEO-West OIC Director Rodelina de Villa, the collected wastes were composed mostly of wood debris and plastic packaging materials.
"Most of these wastes come inland, improperly disposed of by people living up or midstream the tributaries of Manila Bay," De Villa explained.
"Until we are able to properly manage our waste at source, we'll continue to see trash in our rivers and shorelines," she warned.
The DENR official recommended the temporary closure of the beach to allow workers and other volunteers to clean the area further. The recommendation was approved by Manila Bay Dolomite Beach ground commander Reuel Sorilla.
Last week, the DENR Metro Manila office also conducted simultaneous planting of bamboo in and around the La Mesa Water Reservation area in Quezon City.
The planting coincided with World Bamboo Day.