Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to consider relocating one of the sewage treatment plants (STP) along Roxas Boulevard to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex area, citing both environmental and aesthetic concerns.
Speaking at the Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) headquarters, Domagoso said the existing STPs along the bayfront have become “eyesores” that obstruct the city’s famous Manila Bay sunset view.
“Nagiging eyesore na siya as we progress.”
“May dalawa po tayo doon sa Roxas [Boulevard]. Nagiging eyesore na siya as we progress. Okay naman, maganda ‘yung intention, I have no disagreement,” the mayor said.
Domagoso said that his proposal aims to improve urban design and maximize underused public spaces without compromising wastewater management.
He proposed redirecting the pipelines to an open area within the CCP complex, where a larger, more efficient STP can be constructed.
“Kung pwede, pipe lang naman ‘yun, i-redirect na lang doon sa may open space sa CCP. Baka doon na lang kayo magtayo ng bagong STP na mas malaki pa,” Domagoso told Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who was also present during the meeting.
Domagoso said the move would also help reclaim the visual and tourism value of the Manila Bay area.
“Kung maibalik naman namin ‘yung ginhawa ng aming binebentang ‘Manila Sunset,’ kasi wala na kaming makita ngayon, dahil sunod-sunod na, pati opisina tambakan ng makina,” he said, lamenting how unmaintained structures have marred the area’s appearance.
“Walang ka-taste taste.”
Domagoso also criticized the white fences surrounding some facilities, calling them unsightly: “Walang ka-taste taste.”
He noted that the city government supports ongoing DPWH efforts to upgrade water and drainage systems, including the ongoing re-piping of Taft Avenue with larger pipes to address flooding in the Ermita-Malate district.
“Thanks to DPWH recently, they are now re-piping the Taft Avenue area, with much bigger pipes na kasalukuyang nakasalang ngayon,” Domagoso concluded.
