The Korean government, through KOICA, and the United States government, represented by USAID, have signed a grant partnership agreement worth Php 27.7 million (US$ 500,000) to address maritime pollution in Manila Bay. This grant funding will supplement the existing Php 426.2 million (US$ 7.7 million) allocated for the Enhancement of Marine Litter Management in Manila Bay (EMLM) Project, a five-year initiative led by KOICA and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The EMLM Project aims to strengthen Manila Bay’s environmental protection system and promote behavioral changes to combat marine litter. It encompasses the development of a comprehensive Marine Litter Management Strategy, capacity building programs, the construction and operation of a clean-up vessel, community awareness initiatives, and the establishment of pilot communities showcasing effective waste collection and segregation practices. Through this project, Korea is actively supporting the development of resilient programs and infrastructure to mitigate maritime pollution.
This partnership and the EMLM Project highlight Korea’s commitment to collaborate with the Philippines and the United States in addressing maritime pollution. The project not only contributes to the protection of Manila Bay but also plays a vital role in reducing the country’s global marine litter footprint. This agreement is part of a broader collaboration between KOICA and USAID, which extends to support climate resilience and disaster management projects in various Philippine cities.