Las Piñas City government and MMDA personnel conduct a cleanup drive at Talon Creek along Paradise Drive in Barangay Talon 4, Las Pinas City. (Photo courtesy of Las Pinas PIO)
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the city government of Las Piñas City conducted a “Bayanihan sa Estero” cleanup drive on March 19 aimed at preventing flooding, ensuring unhampered water flow, and safeguarding residents living near the creek.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes and Las Piñas Mayor April Aguilar oversaw the cleanup operation at Talon Creek along Paradise Drive in Barangay Talon 4.
Aguilar said the joint operation resulted in the removal of various types of waste clogging the waterway, including bamboo, plastic materials, styrofoam, tree branches, and other solid debris that contribute to flooding and obstruct water flow.
She added that the initiative supports the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intensify the cleanup of waterways across Metro Manila and strengthen flood control measures in preparation for the rainy season.
The mayor also noted that local government units have been urged to step up efforts to mitigate flooding risks in their respective areas.
According to the MMDA, the cleanup drive forms part of a sustained effort to rehabilitate esteros, with a target of continuous clearing operations.
The agency is also focusing on deepening Talon Creek by up to three meters to increase its water-holding capacity and improve drainage efficiency—an initiative requested by the local government to further boost flood mitigation in the area.
To expedite dredging activities, additional equipment such as an amphibious backhoe will be deployed.
As part of the environmental effort, the MMDA also distributed lily pots and charcoal briquettes made from water hyacinths processed at the Vitas Pumping Station facility, promoting the sustainable reuse of aquatic waste.