The government is ramping up efforts to clean up waterways in Metro Manila to prevent severe flooding during rainy seasons. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. launched the “Bayanihan sa Estero Program” on Saturday, led by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in collaboration with various government agencies, local governments, and the private sector.
During the event, the President inspected Buli Creek in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City, which is heavily clogged with water hyacinths. Marcos Jr. remarked that the sheer number of water hyacinths made it appear as if people clearing the creek “look like they are walking in water like Jesus Christ.”
Buli Creek is one of 23 esteros prioritized for clearing due to significant siltation, solid waste accumulation, poor flow conditions, and a high susceptibility to flooding. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes noted that these esteros are located near pumping stations, and clearing them will enhance water drainage.
Out of the 23 waterways, 12 have been cleared, while clean-up operations are ongoing at 11, including Buli Creek. The President emphasized that flood control efforts extend beyond infrastructure, stating, “Kasama na ito ‘yung pagpalinis, pati watershed development sa taas kung saan nanggagaling ‘yung tubig. Kaya ‘yan ang aming ginagawa para – parang adjustment natin. Kailangan na talaga tayo mag-adjust sa climate change.”
The government also pledged support for several water impounding projects to further mitigate flooding in the metro. Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla explained that these small dams will store rainwater for use during dry seasons, aiding irrigation, potable water access, and hydropower. He added, “Meron pang additional na benefit, ‘yung tourism.”
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan mentioned plans to establish water detention tanks similar to those in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig in other areas of the capital region. Potential sites include the University of Santo Tomas, the Lawton Area in Manila, and a golf course near Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Bonoan stated, “’Yung mga options na pwede naming gawin kung ano ‘yung available na spaces in the city pwede po gawing cisterns para ‘yung tubig baha, ‘yung runoff, ‘yung dumadaloy halimbawa umulan na hindi muna mailabas, dun muna sa ilalim.”
Funding for these underground cisterns has been allocated to the MMDA, according to Lotilla.The government is ramping up efforts to clean up waterways in Metro Manila to prevent severe flooding during rainy seasons. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. launched the “Bayanihan sa Estero Program” on Saturday, led by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in collaboration with various government agencies, local governments, and the private sector.
During the event, the President inspected Buli Creek in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City, which is heavily clogged with water hyacinths. Marcos Jr. remarked that the sheer number of water hyacinths made it appear as if people clearing the creek “look like they are walking in water like Jesus Christ.”
Buli Creek is one of 23 esteros prioritized for clearing due to significant siltation, solid waste accumulation, poor flow conditions, and a high susceptibility to flooding. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes noted that these esteros are located near pumping stations, and clearing them will enhance water drainage.
Out of the 23 waterways, 12 have been cleared, while clean-up operations are ongoing at 11, including Buli Creek. The President emphasized that flood control efforts extend beyond infrastructure, stating, “Kasama na ito ‘yung pagpalinis, pati watershed development sa taas kung saan nanggagaling ‘yung tubig. Kaya ‘yan ang aming ginagawa para – parang adjustment natin. Kailangan na talaga tayo mag-adjust sa climate change.”
The government also pledged support for several water impounding projects to further mitigate flooding in the metro. Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla explained that these small dams will store rainwater for use during dry seasons, aiding irrigation, potable water access, and hydropower. He added, “Meron pang additional na benefit, ‘yung tourism.”
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan mentioned plans to establish water detention tanks similar to those in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig in other areas of the capital region. Potential sites include the University of Santo Tomas, the Lawton Area in Manila, and a golf course near Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Bonoan stated, “’Yung mga options na pwede naming gawin kung ano ‘yung available na spaces in the city pwede po gawing cisterns para ‘yung tubig baha, ‘yung runoff, ‘yung dumadaloy halimbawa umulan na hindi muna mailabas, dun muna sa ilalim.”
Funding for these underground cisterns has been allocated to the MMDA, according to Lotilla.
