President Marcos has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to accelerate the clearing and waste collection operations at the Baclaran River in Parañaque City, which recently drew public attention due to the massive garbage accumulation following heavy rains.

The President gave the directive during his inspection of the ongoing clearing and waste collection operations at Baclaran River on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Marcos said the heavy rainfall over the past week, combined with accumulated garbage and a damaged trash trap, resulted in a massive buildup of waste in the river.

“First time na nangyari rito na three days ago napuno itong Parañaque… dati hindi nangyayari ‘yan (This is the first time this has happened here. This didn't happen before),” he said.

“‘Yung bumagsak na tubig in the last week is the equivalent of one month’s rainfall, almost one meter. Kaya tayo nagkakaganito, nagkakaproblema tayo ng ganito (The amount of rain that fell over the past week is equivalent to a month’s worth of rainfall, almost one meter. That’s why we’re experiencing problems like this)," he added.

To address the problem, Marcos has directed the DPWH and MMDA to deploy personnel and equipment, including dump trucks, backhoes and an inflatable rubber boat, to accelerate the clearing of the waterway.

Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Estero Rangers, and beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD program are also helping in the cleanup operations.

According to MMDA General Manager Torre, at least 45 truckloads of waste, equivalent to about 750 cubic meters, had been collected and hauled from the river as of Aug. 11.

While he did not give a definite timeline for the completion of the cleanup, Torre expressed optimism that the clearing operations would proceed quickly with the equipment deployed at the site, noting that much of the bulk waste removal is being done mechanically.

Torre also urged the public to support the government’s waste management efforts by properly disposing of garbage and avoiding irresponsible practices that contribute to clogged waterways.

The MMDA official also expressed support for calls to impose stiffer penalties for improper waste disposal.

Marcos has repeatedly stressed that proper waste disposal is crucial to preventing waterways and drainage systems from becoming clogged thus worsening flooding during the rainy season.

The government has also intensified flood mitigation measures under Oplan Kontra Baha, which includes large-scale dredging, declogging and clearing operations throughout Metro Manila.

As of June 30, dredging operations covered 32 waterways, while declogging activities were conducted in 48 drainage systems across the metropolis.

The MMDA has also completed the cleanup and rehabilitation of 40 esteros in Metro Manila under the Bayanihan sa Estero Program.

All 73 MMDA pumping stations across Metro Manila are operational, while mobile pumps are available for deployment to flood-prone areas as needed.