The core group members of the Manila Bay Environmental Atlas (MBEA) Project met at the Bulwagan Ninoy (Tamaraw Hall) of the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), Diliman, Quezon City on 14 August 2015. The meeting was held to primarily discuss the final manuscript of the second edition of the MBEA.

Proposed final cover of the MBEA

The activity started with the presentation of the updates and contents of the atlas. Environmental Planner (EnP) Annrou R. Ramos of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Manila Bay Coordinating Office (MBCO) updated the members on the approved contents of the atlas, which were subdivided into four major parts, namely: Introduction, Trends and Emerging Issues on Demography and Socio-Economic Status in the Manila Bay Region, Trends and Emerging Issues on the Health of the Manila Bay Ecosystem, and Way Forward.

A 30-minute working break was given to all the members to review their respective write-ups, statistical data, and maps submitted for inclusion in the MBEA. NAMRIA-Resource Data Analysis Branch OIC Assistant Director Benjamin P. Balais with the assistance of EnP Ramos discussed the suggestions and comments of the members.

Aside from NAMRIA, the participants in the meeting were from the BMB; Department of Agriculture (DA)-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM); DENR-MBCO; DENR National Capital Region; DENR Region III; DENR Region IVA; Environmental Management Bureau; Forest Management Bureau; Laguna Lake Development Authority; Local Water Utilities Administration; Manila Water Company, Inc.; National Solid Waste Management Commission; National Water Resources Board; Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission; Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; and Philippine Ports Authority.

In closing, OIC Assistant Director Balais and EnP Ramos thanked the members of the core group for their active participation and valuable inputs. They both reminded the members of the deadline for the submission of their final write-ups and data. Headed by NAMRIA-Support Services Branch OIC Director Febrina E. Damaso, the NAMRIA Technical Working Group decided to launch its second edition tentatively in September 2015.

The MBEA is a compilation of data presented in thematic and composite maps, graphs and tables describing the characteristics and status or condition of the Manila Bay Area (MBA). Each map is accompanied by a textual description of related findings, socioeconomic significance, risks and challenges that affect the MBA. Photographs are included in the document for better understanding of the places and features of the area. The atlas provides a relevant source of information necessary in policy formulation, planning, decision-making, monitoring and integrated river basin and coastal area management. (Source: http://www.pemsea.org)

NAMRIA-RDAB OIC Assistant Director Balais discusses the contents of the MBEA.

Dr. Edna D. Samar of DA-BSWM reviews the contents of the MBEA.