Far Eastern University

Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management

Travel and Tours Management Track

Introduction

According to Guzman, N. (2019) Manila Bay, is used to be a fundamental part of

the country’s capital, it became a tactical advantage throughout the war that occurred in

the Philippines and as a breathtaking view during the untroubled moments. It's has

almost 770 square miles and a shoreline of 118 miles, Furthermore, Manila Bay is a

home to a bio diverse system, with highland, a mangrove, mudflats, coral reefs, and

more, but the said scenic esplanade no longer exist now because it's becoming a health

hazard when the Department of Energy reported an alarming average of 330 million

MPN (most estimated number) of fecal coliform in its river mouths. The baseline level is

100 MPN. Manileños used to swim in the bay but it seems like it became a massive

disposal location for garbage's and it had faced a lot of problems and damages resulting

to the decrease of tourists coming in and out of the said area.

Because of the occurrences the government finally take full responsibility in

rehabilitating Manila Bay It started last January 27, 2019, the President has formed a

task force that would quicken and implement the cleaning of the bay, it includes national

government agencies and local government units in the Manila Bay region and the

rehabilitation will not succeed without the cooperation of the Manila government, here is

the mission, vision of the Manila tourism that will help us understand more about the

plans of the manila government in relation to tourism. The Manila Tourism and Cultural

Affairs of Bureau have provide their own vision which is “The Manila Tourism and

Cultural Affairs of Bureau committed to be the vigorous agency in promoting the City’s

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

tourism in the service and development of Filipinos in general.” For their mission they

have, “ The Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Bureau is to instill national and local

pride by promoting Manila as the gateway to the Philippines and be the role model for

the young citizen; enhance the knowledge and appreciation of the city’s cultural

tourism through exhibitions.” Below is the following organizational structure, functional

chart, and functional structure of Manila government.

FIGURE 1

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

FIGURE 2

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

Takes charge of the Administrative Function of the Bureau, such as planning,

preparation of budget, processing of payments or claims of financial obligations,

enforces civil service rules and regulations & guidelines on various administrative

matters, records and supplies management and perform related functions and other

duties as may be required.

PROMOTION AND SPECIAL EVENTS DIVISION

Develops and implements a plan to market the city of Manila as a premier tourist

destination; direct and coordinate the resources and efforts of the government and

private sectors in the tourism and allied fields for the full realization of the tourism

marketing plans and programs; develop and promote the city of Manila as center for

M.I.C.E (National/International meetings, incentive programs, conventions, exhibitions)

sports and wellness, medical tourism and other special events; Encouraging sales

promotions and advertising, and implementing programs and projects with objective of

promoting the city of Manila and enticing tourists to visit its tourism destinations and

enjoy it tourism products; as well as attending conventions and other events provincial

and abroad in representation of the city of Manila; perform related functions and other

duties as may be required.

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIVISION

Plan and conceptualize the development of the new upgrading of existing

products in tourist destinations based on current market trends and approved national

and local tourism development plans; formulate guidelines on product planning and

development to guide the industry stakeholders; conceptualize and develop new

products which will enhance tourism sites and facilities; develop a system for the

monitoring and evaluation of tourism products and programs; formulate an annual and

three years Manila Tourism Development Plan to provide the direction for the

development and promotion of tourism; establish alliances and network with concerned

government agencies, institutions to broaden and deepen awareness of tourism

research and statistics gathering and compiling of tourism data; perform related

functions and other duties as may be required.

CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

Takes charge of the activities of the city of Manila pertaining to Arts and Culture.

The lead Division in the undertakings activities aims to develop and preserve Philippine

Arts and Culture in the city. This Division also supervises the performances of the

Manila City Band and Manila City Chorale.

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

Rehabilitation was done in three phases, starting with cleaning up the bay and

the sewage system, then relocation and infrastructure, and lastly, making sure that the

law is implemented cautiously and cleanliness maintained. But the big question here is

that if DENR's "Manila Bay Action Plan" will work and if it still has the capability to attract

foreign and local tourists. In this study, the researchers aim to provide other possible

long-term solution to maintain the beauty of Manila Bay and to how it will affect the

touristic interests and development.

Current Situation

The continuous increase in population and industrialization causes the bay to

face various issues on how people use the bay and its resources, the constant failure in

the quality of the bay (water and sediment), and the quick worsening of marine habitats

can be found in the area. Human activities such as (Overexploitation of resources,

illegal and destructive fishing, habitat destruction, pollution, siltation and sedimentation,

uncontrolled development and the conflicting use of limited available resources) have

been an immense threat to the sustainability of the Bay and its diverse ecosystem which

results to the weakening of its environmental quality. Now, Manila Bay is measured as

one of the most polluted bays in the world and it is also known as a reeking cesspool of

sludge, human sewage, industrial waste and garbage. The illustration below showcases

the current status of Manila Bay through SWOT analysis;

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

Current Situation of Manila Bay Area

(SWOT Analysis)

Strength  has a very strategic location

 Considered as the best natural harbor of East Asia, the

country’s biggest shipping ports as well as ferry terminals, fish

port, and yachting marina.

 Jobs involving fishing, industrial, shipping, commercial,

aquaculture and tourism activities.

 is rich in historical events happened in the Philippines through

the years

 one of the top sources income in the Philippines

Weakness  deterioration of the quality of its waters due to pollution

 lack of funds for Manila Bay projects, conferences, events, and

other necessary expenses

 mismanagement of government

 coastal erosion

 nearby illegal settlers without proper housing

 pollution from land and sea-based sources

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

Opportunities  possible recovery of Manila bay would probably increase

tourism

 this may also lead to a healthier ecosystem; improve an aquatic

system and prevent further damage to the natural ecosystems

 possible reclamation projects in Manila bay would generate

income for the government that would benefit the public

 increase in infrastructure investments to treat and reduce

domestic sewage discharges into the bay

 job opportunities because of the structures that will establish in

the area

Threats  Connected to two of the most polluted rivers in the Philippines,

the Pasig and San Juan Rivers.

 overexploitation of fishery resources and illegal fishing

 an increase in foot traffic intensifies the possibility of the bay

being polluted

 over-population

 uncontrolled development without studying the overall impact of

the project

 loss of habitats and decreasing resources

 huge financing requirements

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

Key Issues/Problems

2 Key Issues:

1. Loss of biodiversity

According to (Lim, 2018), “Biodiversity is our life source. It is where we get

our food, ingredients for medicine, materials for our clothing and shelter, and raw

materials for businesses and industries. Thus, biodiversity and environmental issues

and concerns are interconnected with all development sectors.” Dr. Lim stated that

biodiversity is our life source but one of the major issues in Manila Bay is the loss of

biodiversity due to its polluted and the deterioration of the water quality. As a matter

of fact ecotourism destinations are highlighted by attractions derived from

environmental, cultural and historical features. In additional to this, (Jessen, 2018)

stated that “Biodiversity conservation is a shared responsibility. What happens in

one area affects other parts of the world. We cannot say that what we throw in

Manila Bay stays in the Philippines. Hence, biodiversity crisis requires regional and

global solutions.” Therefore, elucidating the impression that we cannot fully

rehabilitate Manila Bay if we would just focus on one place, there should be more

plans on how we can lessen the biodiversity loss. We can minimize biodiversity loss

if marine resource users including the fisheries sector have adequate understanding

and awareness of the current status of fisheries.

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

2. Water Quality in Manila Bay

The poor quality of the Manila Bay can be recognized to the inadequacy

of existing sewerage systems in the area. The impact of poor water quality are

manifest affecting the public health, economic development. Also, a large

number of whom live in the coastal areas and along Manila Bay, suffer the most

consequence of pollution, and contamination of drinking water and food supply.

According to (PEMSEA, 2006), Coliform bacteria live in soil, water and the

digestive tracts of animals, including humans. If the water is being contaminated

by sewage – contains bacteria, viruses and other organism that could cause

disease in humans. Drinking, swimming or consuming fish and shellfish from

waters with high levels of coliform and fecal coliform bacteria can be increases

the developing illness from pathogens that will enter the body through the nose,

ears, mouth or cuts in the skin. Diseases and illnesses that can be contracted in

water contaminated with sewage or animal waste range from eye and ear

infections to typhoid fever, hepatitis, gastroenteritis and dysentery.

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

Data Gathering/Analysis

Based on the gathered data, one of the tourists said “With your loved ones,

friends and with your family Manila bay is the best place to watch the sunset

romantically”. One of the reasons why Manila bay is famous is because of the sunset.

Another tourist stated that “After the ongoing rehabilitation, the bay will surely provide a

relaxing change and view. “A stroll in the afternoon to see the beautiful sunset and have

a snack or dinner at the nearby restaurants” will be a perfect thing to do in the Manila

Bay. Residents near by the area also commented that “It’s quite a beautiful sight to

behold before. Unfortunately, the bay is also filled with a lot of trash and it can be foul-

smelling at times.”

Mayuga, J. (2019) stated that while the implementation of the rehabilitation

projects appears haphazard, the initiative to enforce stricter environmental laws,

particularly the Clean Water Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, was

loudly applauded. The environmental groups, although with doubt are still hoping that

the said rehabilitation will lead to genuine ecotourism that is sustainable and ecological.

Also, a large portion of sea plants that live there has been damaged because of the

overflowing garbage that has been scattered around the area. Coral reefs are also

affected by the waste. Around 80 to 85 percent of trash found in the bay’s water. 2,000

families that will be displaced during the rehabilitation.

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

According to Secretary Eduardo Año, a total of 220,000 informal settler families

are expected to displace due to rehabilitation. It said to be one of the most expensive

projects that the government will do because they need to look for an available land that

temporarily will transfer the affected families due to rehabilitation. Furthermore,

according to The Department of Environment and Natural Resources shared an

infographic showing the average daily waste of cities in Metro Manila in 2018 as part of

its campaign to rehabilitate Manila Bay. Data on the infographic came from the

Ecological Solid Waste Management-NCR section of the DENR and shows a total of

9,283,889 kilograms of waste produces per day. We should take a part to eradicate the

waste of the manila bay and in order to do that we should seek help from different

agencies and volunteers to be fulfilled this kind of project. Manila is the fourth place that

has been rehabilitated under the Duterte Administration.

Executive Summary

The initial phase of the Manila Bay rehabilitation was praised by Filipinos

because of the clutter-free coastline. The changed environment was a result of the

clean-up drive on January 27, 2019 that was participated by different government

workers and volunteers in light of the Manila Bay rehabilitation program. The initiative

was referred to as the “Battle for Manila Bay”, where different government agencies

were tasked to immediately oversee the rehabilitation.

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

Results of a water sampling in the area showed that Manila Bay's average fecal

coliform level was at 330 million most probable number (mpn), 3.3 million times above

the standard 100 mpn that is ideal for swimming. With this year’s rehabilitation in full

swing, Manila Bay is in the spotlight now more than ever. Manila Bay plays an

important part in Philippine history. Not only did it serve as a place for trading, even

prior to the Spanish colonization period, but it also served as the battleground for some

of the most known wars in history including the infamous Battle of Manila Bay. President

Rodrigo Duterte allocated a total of Php 42.95 billion for the three-year duration of the

rehabilitation project.

This includes the clean-up of Manila Bay, as well as the relocation of settlers

residing in the area. There are a lot of great tourism projects that could be created if the

waters of Manila Bay would be cleaned. One of them is the coming of cruise ships into

Manila because there are enough business destinations for tourists to come and visit.

Surely people may soon be able to swim in Manila Bay, but it should be on a well-

guarded place or destination. Then there are tourist boats that can bring tourists to

place like Cavite and the site of the famous Battle of Manila Bay. We should not forget

that Manila Bay is a historical destination but realizes that it can never be a tourism

destination for as long as the national government doesn’t spearhead this clean up

drive.

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

Conclusion

After gathering the data, the researchers found the result of this study. Manila

Bay is one of the well-known places in Manila not just because of its polluted

surroundings but also the best place to watch the sunset with your love ones. The

residents appreciated the rehabilitation of Manila Bay because it brings them the

relaxation view even though the smell of the garbage cannot be avoided. Even though

Manila Bay received a positive feedback, it's still unconvincing if there would be an

effect to the touristic interest because of its' long due process. There is no guarantee if

the Manila Bay would bring back to its old beauty but the government sectors plan to

restore the Bay to its' class B level where it would be fit for swimming, skin-diving and

other forms of contact recreation. Duterte Administration decided to have the

rehabilitation of Manila Bay that the researchers found out that it would be too risky to

do the rehabilitation because of the families that would be affected and it would be the

problem of the government to look for the temporary place where these families can

stay. As a result, Manila Bay should undergo further studies to achieve a successful

rehabilitation. The researchers conclude that it would take years to clean the Manila Bay

and the government should seek help from different volunteers to achieve the

cleanliness of Manila Bay.

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 Far Eastern University
Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

Recommendations

Department of Tourism

To continue the rehabilitation not only for the sake of the title "Tourist Attraction" but for

the safety of the residents and the citizens who are visiting the place.

To support the DENR with the on-going rehabilitation.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

To impart policies that would later on give the best results for the government and our

environment.

Local Government

To spread awareness to the people about the on-going rehabilitation and to implement

policies such as having fines for different kinds of offenses (e.g. littering, etc.)

Citizens and Tourists

In order for us, citizens to value the beauty of Manila Bay and on how it would be a

great attraction, not only for our environment's sake but for the people's safety as well.

Tourists With this study, the tourist will also benefit because since it would be a great

attraction, it is important for them to apply the imparted rules and regulations given by

the government.

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Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

References:

Palafox Jr., F.A, January 2019, Manila Bay Rehabilitation, The Manila Times

Mawis, SM., February 2019, Cleaning up Manila Bay

Panay News, January 2019, Tourism Department Backs Manila Bay Rehab

Philippine Primer, February 2019, Battle for Manila Bay: The Rehabilitation of the

Historic Bay

Avecilla, V., February 2019, Duterte’s great Manila Bay Rehab, Daily Tribune

Malasig, J., February 2019, Initial Phase of Manila Bay Rehabilitation Results in

Garbage-free Coastline, InterAksyon

Chavez, C., February 2019, DILG convenes today 178 mayors to discuss Manila Bay

Rehab, Manila Bulletin

Rocamora, J.A, January 2019, DOT backs Manila Bay Rehab, Philippine News Agency

Manila Bay Rehabilitation Project, Department of Environment and Natural Resources

CNN, January 2019, DENR Gears up for P47-Billion Manila Bay Rehabilitation

Essen, F. (2018, October 18). ASEAN calls for integration of biodiversity conservation.

(ASEAN, Interviewer) Retrieved from https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1014043

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Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

Laureana T. Nepomuceno, R. V. (2014). Assessing the Marine Biodiversity of Manila

Bay. Quezon City.

Lim, D. T. (2018, October 18). ASEAN calls for integration of biodiversity conservation.

(ASEAN, Interviewer)

PEMSEA. (2006, May). Retrieved from Sustainable Development Retrieved From

http://pemsea.org/sites/default/files/pb-2004-manila-bay.pdf

Cabrera, Romina (2019, February) DILG: Inventory Manila Bay’s informal settlers.

Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/02/03/1890331/dilg-inventory-

manila-bays-informal-settlers

CNN Philippines Staff (2019, January) Just how filthy is Manila Bay. Retrieved from

http://nine.cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/28/how-filthy-is-manila-bay.html

Algo, John Leo (2019, Febuary) Rehabilitation over reclamation for Manila Bay.

Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/views/imho/223197-rehabilitation-over-

reclamation-manila-bay

Madarang, Catalina Ricci (2019, Febuary) Over 9.2 million kilos of garbage produced in

Metro Manila, some end up in Manila Bay. Retrieved from

http://www.interaksyon.com/politics-issues/2019/02/28/145000/garbage-metro-manila-

bay-pollution-environment/

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Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Travel and Tours Management Track

Colcol, Erwin (2019, Febuary) House panel says 2,000 families living near Manila Bay

will be relocated. Retrieved from

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/metro/683693/house-panel-says-2-000-

families-living-near-manila-bay-will-be-relocated/story/

ABSCBN, (2019, January) 'Drastic change' in Manila Bay to be felt in at least 6 months:

DENR

Retieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/10/19/drastic-change-in-manila-bay-

to-be-felt-in-a-least-6-months-denr

Manila Tourism Office, (2014) Retrieve from

http://manila.gov.ph/tourism/?fbclid=IwAR2GT9FLAmvBAB_uEd5e1V1SQE7BAA

AjTgjAGqa4ACTvcvzhIT_PHGVJItMa

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