Clean Ganga Mission is one of the initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to ensure the quality of water and environmentally sustainable development of the Ganga River, important and considered holy and purifier of Hindus. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte initiated the cleanup project of Boracay, one of the country’s most famous resort islands. Boracay was closed for six-month rehabilitation and re-opened to tourists in October 2018. Recently, President Duterte also ordered the cleanup of Manila Bay, a natural harbor which serves the Port of Manila. On January 27, 2019, thousands of volunteers and government workers kicked off a historical cleanup drive of the Manila Bay, hauling tons of garbage to improve the surroundings. These efforts are part of the Philippine commitment to address environmental issues and protect the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology.

—H.E. Ma. Teresita C. Daza, Ambassador of the Republic of The Philippines to India