Waste management remains a major challenge in Metro Manila, with large amounts of garbage piling up in waterways following days of heavy rains, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III said Wednesday, August 12.
Torre made the statement as the MMDA continued its third day of cleanup operations at the Redemptorist Water Channel in Baclaran. The agency deployed heavy equipment, including a trash skimmer, to collect garbage from the middle of the waterway, while trucks were used to haul the waste.
The MMDA has yet to determine the total volume of garbage removed from the channel. Torre said an actual count will be available once the collected waste has been tallied.
Cleanup May Take Several Days
Torre estimated that the clearing operation could be completed within a few days but said the agency could not provide an exact timeline.
Beyond removing the garbage, however, Torre stressed that the bigger challenge is preventing waste from accumulating in waterways in the first place.
“Walang mangyayari, walang kuwenta kung lilinisin natin, pagkatapos, ganoon pa rin ang mangyayari [sa pagtatapon ng basura],” he said.
Torre noted that repeated cleanup operations would have limited impact if improper waste disposal continues. For the MMDA, addressing the source of the garbage buildup is necessary to keep waterways clear and help reduce flooding risks.
Waste Management and Flood Control
The cleanup comes as the government intensifies efforts to address flooding in Metro Manila.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. inspected dredging and drainage-clearing operations in Las Piñas City on Tuesday. He said progress had been made in mitigating flooding but acknowledged that more work was still needed.
Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Saturday called on Metro Manila mayors to examine possible corruption in their respective offices involving garbage collection and waste management contracts.
The developments underscore the need for more effective waste management, proper garbage disposal and regular maintenance of waterways. While clearing operations can immediately remove accumulated waste, authorities also face the longer-term task of preventing garbage from entering drainage systems and waterways in the first place.
