The ongoing cleanup covers around three kilometers of river channels around NAIA (photo: NNIC)
Efforts to clean up rivers and waterways around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have so far removed 139,158 metric tons of silt and waste, the new management of the country’s main gateway disclosed on Wednesday, March 26.
The New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC) has started the clean-up drive since taking over the NAIA in September 2024 in a bid to address the perennial flooding problem affecting NAIA and nearby communities in Parañaque — especially during typhoon season.
NNIC president Ramon Ang said the clean-up covers three kilometers of river channels, including portions of the Parañaque River near Barangay Tambo, Don Galo River, and Villanueva Creek near Barangay La Huerta.
Ang said their team also tackled clogged storm drains and open canals along key roads around the airport — such as Domestic Road, NAIA Road, Airport Road, and Andrews Avenue — to help keep floodwaters from backing up into the airport and nearby areas.
The NNIC, under San Miguel Corporation’s Better Rivers PHt, has been clearing waterways, upgrading drainage systems, and improving the flow of rainwater around the airport.
“The initiative is already showing results as water drains more quickly, with less buildup during heavy rains,” said Ang.
So far, he said 67 manholes have been cleared and restored, with 17 manhole covers newly replaced.
There are also seven new manholes newly constructed to improve drain access.
To further boost flood protection, Ang said the NNIC is preparing to install a modern drainage system, build flood barriers, and construct a stormwater pumping facility within the NAIA complex.
“Protecting NAIA from flooding is a long-term investment in safety and reliability. We’re putting in the infrastructure needed to keep the airport flood-free, but we also need the public’s help,” said Ang.
“To everyone in the community, please don’t throw garbage into streets or waterways. It all ends up in rivers and canals, blocking water flow and making floods worse. We can only succeed if we all do our part,” he added.