Floating trash nets have been tapped by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in a effort to keep its pumping stations from getting clogged by potentially damaging debris and garbage.

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos personally inspected on Monday, June 28 one of the newly-installed trash traps in one of the tributaries of Estero Tripa de Gallina on Tramo Bridge along Aurora Avenue, Barangay 156, Pasay City.

He also oversaw the hauling of garbage that had accumulated at the trap. According to Abalos, two truckloads of garbage are hauled from for area daily.

The MMDA chief added that a total of 32 truckloads of trash have been collected from all the 57 pumping stations Metro Manila. He expects that more trash would be collected once the rainy season goes into full throttle.

"As we expect the volume of trash to increase because of the rains and inclement weather, we also plan to gradually install trash traps on all waterways such as canals and esteros to lessen the effect of flooding in Metro Manila," Abalos said. The pumping stations are the agency’s main weapon against floods in the metropolis whenever there is a heavy downpour.

Abalos, who is also the concurrent head of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), said he will discuss with the Metro Manila mayors the possibility of harmonizing the ordinances penalizing those who keep on throwing trash in waterways.

“We will make a uniform ordinance to mete out sanctions or conduct community service for those who recklessly throw garbage,” he said.

Abalos also appealed to the public to stop dumping garbage, especially human waste, in the waterways.

“We call on the public to avoid throwing garbage in prohibited places and we encourage everyone to instead recycle to lessen the waste we are collecting and eventually alleviate the effects of flooding,” he said.

The MMC--the policy-making body of the MMDA--is composed of the 17 mayors of the National Capital Region (NCR).