The City Government of Malabon has received a P7.6 million worth of Automatic Trash Rake (ATR) facility as part of the measures to prevent flooding and proper waste disposal.
The facility was turned over by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
DENR Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna said the TR facility will keep floating debris, leaves, and other solid waste from entering the Malabon-Navotas-Tullahan-Tinajeros or MaNaTuTi River System, while supporting the ongoing Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program or the “Battle for Manila Bay.”
"The facility will serve as an alternative measure to improve flood control operation through better trash collection rate with the capability of lifting large-sized trash along creeks and declog drainage systems," said Sampulna.
The ATR facility, which was installed in Letre Creek along P. Aquino Ave. in Brgy. Tonsuya, Malabon City, was designed by the Malabon City Engineering Department and DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center.
It features a better trash collection rate and can lift large-sized trash along the creek, declog drainage systems, boost waste management capabilities, and collect wastes in waterways faster and easier, especially during the rainy season.
Aside from the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, the ATR facility is also expected to bolster the DENR’s solid waste management program.
Sampulna has expressed hope that the ATR facility will be replicated not only in Metro Manila, but the entire Philippines.