The Valenzuela City government has revived its citywide cleanup campaign, “Oplan Balik Linis Ganda,” to help prevent flooding and improve public health and safety during the rainy season.

The program is a multi-agency initiative that combines flood control, sanitation, public safety, and community improvement services into one coordinated effort.

Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian led the relaunch on Tuesday, August 5, in the Elysian community of Barangay Marulas, one of the areas hardest hit by recent heavy rains.

Gatchalian said that this year’s campaign is more comprehensive than previous versions, with full participation from all concerned City Hall departments.

“Pinagsama-sama na natin ang lahat ng concerned departments ng City Hall. Lahat ng services na pwede nating ibigay ay dadalhin natin sa mga communities (We have consolidated all concerned departments of City Hall. All the services we can offer will be brought directly to the communities),” he said

Unlike earlier cleanups that focused mainly on dredging and desilting drainage systems, the improved campaign now includes trimming trees and overgrown vegetation, fixing tangled overhead cables, garbage collection, repainting public spaces, fogging to prevent dengue, and impounding stray animals.

Workers from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers) program also joined the initiative, demonstrating strong coordination between local and national government agencies.

The program, led by Task Force Kalinisan, will run twice a week, with teams visiting one community at a time.

In addition to the cleanup drive, Gatchalian also announced the construction of a new pumping station in Barangay Marulas, expected to be completed in two to three months. 

The facility is part of the city’s larger flood control infrastructure plan.

“Importante po na malinis ang lahat ng drainage natin bilang paghahanda sa susunod na bagyo (It is important to keep all our drainage systems clean in preparation for the next typhoon),” the mayor said.

The city government hopes that by bringing government services directly to communities, residents will be encouraged to take part in protecting their surroundings and preventing future disasters.