The Manila BAYani Awards and Incentives (MBAI) National Inter-Agency Committee (NIAC) conducted a table assessment and on-site inspection in Makati City on July 25, 2022, to assess their current performance in the MBAI Validation Outcome Areas, being the top contender during the 2021 Regional Assessment in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The MBAI is a rewards system institutionalized to encourage local government units (LGUs) to expand their ingenuity in developing cutting-edge approaches to environmental management. LGUs are incentivized for their outstanding performance in carrying out their duties and mandates related to the rehabilitation of the Bay.

The NIAC is composed of the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation and Preservation Program-Program Management Office (MBCRPP-PMO), DENR-Environmental Management Bureau, DENR-Manila Bay Coordinating Office, DPWH, MWSS, NHA, NSWMC, DHSUD, DOH, and MMDA. Prior to the validation proper, the NIAC along with the MBCRPP-Program Management Team and DILG-Makati Field Office paid a courtesy visit to City Administrator Atty. Claro F. Certeza, who warmly welcomed the team and expressed his gratitude for acknowledging Makati’s efforts towards the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

The NIAC reviewed the documents and other Means of Verification (MOVs) presented by the LGU against the MBAI Validation Outcome Areas, which consist of solid and liquid waste management; informal settlers families; and information, education, communication, and institutional arrangements. The team visited two sites to further validate the documents presented: the Estero de Tripa de Gallina and the Material Recovery Composting Facilities of the Department of Environmental Services.

To further enhance the LGU’s efforts, the members of NIAC recommended that the City update its Drainage Master Plan and Water Waste Master Plan, draft an IEC Development Plan, and foster partnerships with neighboring LGUs.

In his closing message, Engineer Augusto R. De Los Santos of Makati City’s Department of Engineering and Public Works reiterated their continuous support and active participation in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay: “Makakaasa po kayo sa pagsulong ng Makati sa mga programang patungkol sa paglilinis at pangangalaga ng kalikasan.”#