President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (4th from left) lead the launch of the Bayanihan sa Estero Program at the Buli Creek in Pasig City on Saturday (Aug. 2, 2025). The program aims to complete clean-up activities on 23 identified esteros that have been prioritized for immediate intervention due to significant siltation, heavy solid waste buildup, poor flow conditions and vulnerability to recurrent flooding. (Screenshot from Radio Television Malacañang)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. kicked off a large-scale clean-up campaign in Metro Manila on Saturday, aiming to tackle one of the capital’s biggest rainy season headaches: clogged waterways and chronic flooding.
Dubbed the “Bayanihan sa Estero” Program, the initiative zeroes in on 23 heavily silted and trash-filled esteros—creeks and canals notorious for overflowing during storms and typhoons. These areas were chosen not only for their vulnerability to floods but also for the threat they pose to nearby communities.
Speaking at the launch held along Buli Creek in Pasig City, Marcos stressed that even the best infrastructure can fail if natural drainage remains blocked.
“This is a major flood control effort. It’s not just about building structures like slope protections—it’s also about cleaning,” the President said in Filipino. “We have to adapt to climate change. No matter how much we try to resist it, we can’t stop it. But we can adjust.”
Teamwork is key
Marcos emphasized that the program’s success relies on the combined efforts of the national government, local government units (LGUs), and community volunteers.
“When our creeks are clean, floodwaters drain quickly. But when trash and silt block the way, water backs up into our homes—especially those near waterways,” he added.
So far, the campaign has made headway. Clean-up crews have already finished work on 12 of the 23 targeted esteros, removing a total of 881 cubic meters of garbage, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Simultaneous clean-ups in multiple cities
As part of Saturday’s launch, the MMDA also led simultaneous clean-ups in four other key flood-prone sites: Catmon Creek in Malabon City, Pinagsama Creek in Taguig City, Hagonoy Retarding Pond in Taguig, and Tapayan Retarding Pond in Taytay, Rizal.
The remaining 13 esteros are next in line, with LGUs currently working with the MMDA to mobilize resources and manpower.
Under the program, the MMDA acts as the main coordinator and implementer of the metro-wide effort, while local city and barangay units help on the ground by organizing teams and providing support.
A long-term plan for a flood-resilient Metro
There are 273 rivers, tributaries, esteros, and open canals crisscrossing Metro Manila. These waterways are essential for draining stormwater and preventing floods—but many have been neglected or overwhelmed by waste.
The MMDA says it will continue monitoring and cleaning these waterways beyond the 23 high-priority sites. Regular maintenance is also in the works to ensure esteros don’t clog up again after initial clean-ups.
This latest push reflects a broader shift in Metro Manila’s flood control strategy: combining infrastructure with sustainable, community-driven maintenance. The government hopes it will lead to fewer floods, safer homes, and healthier waterways for everyone.