Philippine government mulling recruitment of fishermen to aid water cleanup campaign

The Philippine government, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is considering to employ the services of local private fishermen in controlling the growth and spread of water hyacinths or water lilies in major waterways, particularly in Metro Manila’s Pasig River and Laguna de Bay between the provinces of Laguna and Rizal.

The proliferation of the invasive water species is known to cause a major obstruction to the smooth flow of navigation along waterways.

The initiative will fall within the responsibility of the Manila Bay Anti-Pollution Task Force (APTF), which was formed to ensure that no floating debris will be seen in Manila Bay and its tributaries.

The expected improvement in water quality will mean no more foul odours will be coming from the bay, said APTF head Benny Antiporda.