President Marcos on Saturday, Aug. 2 led the launch of a massive estero cleanup campaign in Pasig City, calling it a crucial step in the country’s long-term flood control and climate change adaptation efforts.

In his speech during the launch of the “Bayanihan sa Estero: Malinis na Estero, Pamayanang Protektado” project in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City, the President said that even the best flood control infrastructure would be useless if Metro Manila’s clogged waterways remain neglected and filled with trash and silt.

“Magandang-maganda na lahat ng flood control projects natin, kapag ganito pa rin ang ating estero, eh wala rin (Even if all our flood control projects are excellent, if our esteros stay like this, it won’t matter),” he said.

“Mababaha pa rin tayo dahil walang madaanan ’yung tubig (We’ll still get flooded because water has nowhere to go),” he added.

The project, spearheaded by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), involves the clearing of 23 priority esteros across the National Capital Region to remove solid waste, water hyacinths, and silt buildup that prevent water from flowing during heavy rains.

Marcos noted that before Tropical Depression "Crising" entered the country, at least 12 of the target esteros had already been cleared.

“Makikita natin, kapag malinis ang mga estero, mabilis din mawala ang baha (We can see that when the esteros are clean, floodwaters also recede quickly),” he said.

With this, the President called for sustained action, urging other organizations to adopt creek sections and help ensure their year-round upkeep.

“Hindi na maaari na basta’t pababayaan natin na every year na lang, ganito ang nangyayari sa ating mga kababayan (We can no longer let this happen to our people year after year),” he said.

“Lahat ay kailangan natin makipagtulungan—local government, national government, MMDA, lahat ng mga volunteer groups ng civil society (Everyone needs to work together—local government, national government, MMDA, and all volunteer groups in civil society),” he added.

Marcos particularly recognized a team of military veterans who had “adopted” a section of the estero to maintain.

“Tama ’yan, magandang halimbawa sa atin ’yan. Bawal mag-retire (That’s right, it’s a good example for us. Retirement is not allowed here),” he quipped.

At the Buli Creek site, the President observed MMDA personnel using barges and heavy equipment to remove thick mats of water hyacinths. He remarked on how dense the vegetation had become, joking that workers appeared to walk on water.

“Para silang Jesus Christ, lumalakad sila sa tubig eh (They’re like Jesus Christ, walking on water),” he said.

Marcos stressed that beyond estero cleaning, desiltation and watershed rehabilitation are essential. He explained that eroded soil from deforested areas upstream ends up clogging waterways and worsening flooding in low-lying communities.

“Kasama sa watershed development na magtatanim tayo ng puno para hindi madala ng tubig yung lupa na dinadala dito sa mga creek natin (We will plant trees as part of watershed development so that soil isn’t washed into our creeks),” he said.

He added that climate-related disasters can no longer be treated as isolated events.

“Kailangan na talaga tayong mag-adjust sa climate change (We really need to adjust to climate change),” he said.

The President was joined by MMDA officials and local leaders from Pasig, Taguig, Malabon, and Taytay, where simultaneous operations were also held.

The Buli Creek in Pasig is one of 273 identified natural waterways in Metro Manila that serve as vital drainage systems.