UCA News
Contribute

Greenpeace to inspect Manila waterways

"No exact data" exists on what gets discharged
Greenpeace to inspect Manila waterways
Activists check and document pollution hotspots (Photo by Veejay Villafranca/Greenpeace)
Published: September 13, 2012 10:15 AM GMT
Updated: September 13, 2012 10:15 AM GMT

Calling for full disclosure on chemical discharges, Greenpeace activists today launched a three-week expedition in the capital to examine and document sources of toxic pollution. The program to analyze factory contamination of rivers around Metro Manila will cover 85 kms, from Marikina River to Laguna Lake. "Communities along our rivers and lakes directly bear the brunt of these toxic discharges which can ultimately contaminate our source of drinking water," said Beau Baconguis, campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia. The group is also calling for a pollution disclosure mandate, forcing industrial facilities to publicly declare the chemicals used in their products and manufacturing processes, and to state how these chemicals are discharged, treated and transported. Baconguis said the government has no exact data on what chemicals are being discharged into the water. Countries that have adopted such policies were able to reduce levels of water pollution, he said. "Only when policies like these are in place, will facilities more likely choose not to use hazardous chemicals, and be mindful of the wastes they discharge into water bodies.”

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia