Unprecedented economic growth in East Asia has resulted in rapid urbanization, particularly in the coastal regions of those countries. The environmental impact of this rapid development over the last 2 decades has been largely borne by the main water bodies and seas of East Asia. The result is severe land-based pollution of East Asia’s seas, coasts, estuaries and rivers. This is a well-recognized problem by the countries in the region, including the Philippines.
The Metro Manila area is a typical example; it has a concentration of population of 12 million people, and practically all the sewage is discharged without treatment. The Manila Bay, Pasig River, and the Laguna Lake represent three key water bodies of socio-economic importance to the country, all exhibiting varying degrees of environmental degradation. These water bodies reflect the general state of Philippine waters, which are seriously confronted with untreated domestic sewage contamination problems