The Malabon City government launched a cleanup and declogging drive in Barangay Hulong Duhat on Wednesday, May 21, to help reduce the risk of flooding as part of the city’s preparations for the rainy season.

The activity was launched amid reports of mechanical issues at the Malabon-Navotas River navigational gate operated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), raising concerns over potential flooding in nearby communities.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said the city government is already preparing for the rainy season to ensure residents’ safety.

“As we expect rainy weather in the coming month, the city government is taking early steps to protect every family in every barangay,” she said. 

“Nagsagawa po tayo ng paglilinis dito sa Barangay Hulong Duhat ngayong araw, kasabay na rin po ng napabalitang muling pagkasira ng navigatinal gate. Kaya atin pong tututukan ang pagsasaayos nito at sisiguruhing ang ating pumping stations ay gumagana (We conducted a cleanup operation today in Barangay Hulong Duhat, in response to reports about the recurring damage to the navigational gate. We will focus on its repair and ensure that our pumping stations are fully operational),” Sandoval added. 

Personnel from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), City Engineering Department (CED), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and other city departments joined the cleanup, which stretched from the Women’s Club area to Don Basilio Street. 

The operation aimed to remove waste from drainage systems that could worsen flooding during storms.

Sandoval also conducted an inspection of the Bonifacio Pumping Station in Barangay Flores, which serves several areas including Hulong Duhat.

She also conducted an inspection of the Bonifacio Pumping Station in Barangay Flores, which services several communities including Barangay Hulong Duhat.

"Malabueños! In conducting operations like this, our priority is order, cleanliness, and most importantly, everyone’s safety. That’s why we are calling on you to join the continued cleanup efforts in every part of the city. This is our shared responsibility as members of the community. We must do this to prevent any issues while the navigational gate is being repaired,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile,  Sandoval along with city councilors Maricar Torres and Leslie Yambao distributed food packs to 591 families in Barangay Hulong Duhat to help them prepare for possible flooding. 

Each pack included rice, canned goods, noodles, and coffee.

The city’s Public Information Office (PIO) said that the city has 44 pumping stations operated by the city government, MMDA, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), all of which are currently functional. 

It added that personnel from CENRO and CED conducted regular cleanup and declogging operations as part of the city’s long-term flood control program.