Sanitation workers in Metro Manila carried out clean-up operations on Wednesday, August 20, to remove rubbish and debris from waterways as part of intensified flood control measures.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported that the cleanup operation, led by MMDA chair Don Artes and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, was conducted at the Lambingan Bridge, San Juan River, in San Juan City.
This was under the agency’s “Bayanihan sa Estero” program, which focuses on systematically removing accumulated wastes from esteros and rivers across Metro Manila.
Artes said their agency has been conducting regular clearing operations of Metro Manila’s drainage systems, which include declogging laterals, dredging waterways, removing silt from drainage mains, and eliminating accumulated solid waste that clogs the waterways and causes flooding.
“Our personnel use heavy equipment to haul garbage, especially in desilting and dredging, to deepen and increase water carrying capacity during heavy rains,” the MMDA chief said.
“This clean-up drive seeks to reinstate the natural flow of waterways, reduce flooding, and foster environmental sustainability and accountability throughout Metro Manila,” he added.
The agency used backhoes, cranes and dump trucks for the cleanup and dredging operations.
The initiative came after nearly two weeks of typhoons and heavy monsoon rains in July that caused widespread flooding in the capital and other regions of the Philippines.
The Bayanihan sa Estero is also part of the MMDA’s response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s socio-economic agenda, which aims to strengthen the country’s disaster resilience and clean up drainage infrastructures to prevent flooding in Metro Manila.
Meanwhile, some online users called for stricter waste management measures to help prevent flooding, citing the lack of discipline among citizens as a key factor in the problem.
Others called the cleanup operation a mere “band-aid solution.”
“Pagmultahin na hindi bababa sa limang libo ang mga mahuhuli magtapon ng basura sa mga estero. Yung mga nakatira sa mga tabing ilog mga nagtatapon dyan kapag walang truck collection ihahagis na lang nila diyan,” a Facebook user said.
“Walang disiplina ang mga tao kaya di talaga mauubos ang basura [diyan] kahit pa araw-araw maglinis kung araw-araw may nagtatapon,” another said.
“Wala tayong disiplina. Yun lang yon. Kung lahat tayo maayos sa segregation.. magiging habit na natin ang malinis na lugar.. kahit pa yan nasa laylayan..” a Facebook user commented.
—With reports by Rosette Adel; EFE via Reuters Connect
