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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Massive cleanup of Manila waterways eyed vs flooding

Massive cleanup of Manila waterways eyed vs flooding

Published Feb 12, 2026 12:14 pm
Manila DEPS personnel regularly conducts cleaning and clearing operations in the city's waterways to prevent flooding and other health hazards caused by the accumulated trash. (Photo from Manila PIO)
Manila DEPS personnel regularly conducts cleaning and clearing operations in the city's waterways to prevent flooding and other health hazards caused by the accumulated trash. (Photo from Manila PIO)

The Manila City Government, together with national agencies and members of the private sector, is eyeing an expanded cleanup program of Manila's waterways as part of collective efforts in alleviating the perennial problem of flooding in the city.

During an inter-agency technical working group meeting on Thursday, Feb. 12, officials of the city government, which include the City Legal Office, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), Manila Barangay Bureau (MBB), Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and Department of Environment and Public Services (DEPS), met with representatives from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to discuss plans for the cleanup initiative.

"Kabilang sa mga target na lilinisin ang Maligaya Creek hanggang Sunog Apog, Estero patungong Tutuban, Estero de Sampaloc hanggang Ilog Pasig, at Estero de Valencia. Tinalakay din ang ilang proyekto ng NLEX na posibleng matamaan ang ilang lugar sa Lungsod ng Maynila (Waterways that are targeted to be cleaned include Maligaya Creek to Sunog Apog, Estero to Tutuban, Estero de Sampaloc to Pasig River, and Estero de Valencia. Also discussed were several NLEX projects that could potentially affect certain areas in the City of Manila)," the local government unit (LGU) said.

Despite its continuous cleaning and flushing operations of the city's canals and waterways, the city government urged residents to also do their part in ensuring the cleanliness of these bodies of water, following reports of persistent disposal of garbage in estuaries and rivers.

This resulted in foul odors, clogged waterways, and potential health hazards caused by the accumulated waste. 

On Feb. 3, the DEPS had collected approximately 100 sacks of waste, including debris, plastic bags, plastic cups, diapers, and other types of garbage along the river in Barangay 94.

Related Tags

MANILA CITY FLOODING METRO NEWS CLEANUP
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