The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) collected 1,255 sacks of trash across 27 cleanup sites following heavy rains and flooding.
“Clearing these blockages helped reduce the risk of further inundation and limited downstream transport of debris during the heavy rains. Pero, ang tamang pamamahala ng basura bago pa ito makarating sa daluyan ng tubig,” DENR Secretary Cuna said in a statement.
The DENR-NCR said its teams of estero rangers, river warriors, and partner organizations cleared clogged waterways to help floodwaters subside more quickly.
Aside from the cleanup drive, the agency said it deployed 196 trash traps that helped block floating waste during heavy rains.
“The trash trap network—permanent and deployable barriers placed at strategic points in drainage channels and esteros—captured a significant share of floating waste before it could move downstream and worsen blockages,” it said.
Data from DENR-NCR showed Manila has the largest number of trash traps with 55, followed by Quezon City with 28, Caloocan with 16, Mandaluyong with 14, and Marikina and Pasig with 12 each.
Cuna urged the public and establishments to keep collected waste in designated areas and refrain from washing debris into waterways or drainage systems.
Several areas in Metro Manila have been flooded in recent days due to continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat.
Weather bureau PAGASA said the southwest monsoon is expected to continue affecting the country, with rains possibly persisting until the end of August. — Photo from DENR
