MMDA chief cites 12,000 tons of waste removed yearly from waterways and pumping stations
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Despite months of flood-prevention preparations by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Chairman Nicolas Torre III said the persistent problem of improper waste disposal continues to undermine efforts to reduce flooding across Metro Manila.
Speaking during a media interview, Torre said the agency had begun its rainy-season preparations months in advance through a comprehensive program focused on maintaining the region’s waterways and drainage systems.
“We prepare for this every year. Our strategy is straightforward: clean, deepen, widen, and monitor our waterways,” Torre said.
The MMDA has been carrying out regular declogging operations in canals and esteros, dredging rivers and waterways, clearing obstructions and illegal structures, and ensuring the continuous operation of flood pumping stations throughout the metropolis.
The agency has likewise positioned flood-control teams that can be immediately deployed to areas affected by severe flooding.
According to Torre, the MMDA removes approximately 12,000 tons of waste annually from Metro Manila’s waterways and pumping facilities.
Of the total volume collected each year, around 7,000 tons come from rivers, creeks, and esteros, while another 5,000 tons are extracted from pumping stations where accumulated garbage often disrupts operations.
“That translates to about 1,000 tons of waste every month. Garbage remains the primary cause of clogged waterways and reduced drainage capacity,” Torre said.
The MMDA chief stressed that while infrastructure and maintenance programs are essential, public discipline remains the key factor in addressing urban flooding.
Torre said the agency continues to strengthen its information and education campaigns in partnership with local government units and barangays to discourage residents from throwing garbage into waterways.
“The support of our local governments has been very encouraging,” he said, citing the initiatives of local officials in several Metro Manila communities that have actively promoted cleaner waterways and environmental responsibility.
The MMDA is also employing a data-driven approach to identify flood-prone communities and prioritize intervention efforts.
Torre noted that low-lying areas near the Tullahan River and other historically flood-prone sections of Metro Manila remain under close monitoring, with the agency continuously assessing drainage bottlenecks and runoff patterns.
“We are focusing our resources where the data shows the greatest flood risk,” he explained.
The MMDA chief also welcomed innovative flood-mitigation projects being undertaken by local government units, particularly water-impounding facilities designed to temporarily store excess rainwater and ease pressure on drainage systems.
“These are the kinds of engineering solutions that can significantly help reduce flooding in the long term,” Torre said.
To mitigate flooding along major roads and thoroughfares, the MMDA has prepared mobile pumping units that can be deployed to inundated areas when necessary.
Mounted on trucks, the mobile pumps are capable of transferring floodwaters directly into nearby waterways, allowing faster drainage and helping restore normal traffic conditions during heavy rainfall.
As the rainy season progresses, Torre reiterated his appeal for public cooperation, emphasizing that no flood-control program can succeed without responsible waste management.
“Government can continue cleaning waterways, but lasting solutions require everyone’s participation. Preventing garbage from reaching our drainage systems remains one of the most effective ways to reduce flooding in Metro Manila,” he said.
ia/xf
