San Miguel Corporation (SMC) reported that it has dug up 300,000 metric tons of silt and solid waste as it marked a successful first year in its P1 billion initiative to revive the Tullahan-Tinajeros River System.
The continuous silt and solid waste extraction from the tributary is also seen to prevent major flooding in the cities of Navotas, Malabon, and Valenzuela during rainy season.
SMC President Ramon S. Ang said that, despite pandemic limitations, there has been no let-up in the company’s river cleanup operations and is now geared towards deepening and widening parts of the river to complement government’s flood mitigation measures.
The project is part of SMC’s sustainability initiatives and in support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Manila Bay Rehabilitation project.
“We have been successful so far mainly because of the guidance of the DENR and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as well as the support of our local governments and other stakeholders,” said Ang.
He added that, “Our learnings from the Tullahan project will allow us to work even more efficiently and effectively in our other major river rehabilitation projects.” Following completion of sections that include Barangay Bangkulasi and Tanong in Navotas City, the cleanup team is currently operating in Barangay Longos in Malabon City.
The project team has also started cleaning and widening the river section located between Marulas, Valenzuela and Potrero, Malabon last April to help mitigate flooding in the area.
“Even during the rainy season, our dredging teams will continue their operations to ensure that the Tullahan river will have greater capacity to receive flood waters from adjacent areas, particularly during typhoon season,” said Ang.
As of June 28, a total of 301,695 metric tons of silt and solid waste have been removed from the first 11.5-kilometer section of the river from Manila Bay in Navotas to Potrero in Malabon and Valenzuela cities. For this section, the target dredging output is 1 million metric tons.
“For this section, we expect to the get the job done in three to four years. With added equipment and personnel, our operations have improved significantly and we are happy to see the immediate results in the reduction of major flooding,” he said.