Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno declared on Monday a garbage crisis in the city and ordered the immediate mobilization of resources to address the concern on his first day in office.
In his public address, Moreno stressed that more than anything else, the safety and cleanliness of the city are important, citing health risks posed to its citizens.
“Our situation regarding garbage is an eyesore, a nosebleed, and a health hazard… Rest assured, there is a government in Manila… We will not point fingers. We will act on the matter. We will confront this problem head-on,” he said.
As such, he ordered the city’s Department of Public Services (DPS), Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), and Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) to join the cleaning efforts and appealed to the Leonel Waste Management Corporation to haul the garbage in the city without charge.
Likewise, he underscored the collective effort of the residents to address the worsening garbage crisis while asking for their patience as the city works to resolve the problem.
More than 800 barangay officials were also encouraged to lead cleanup operations in their respective areas.
“Leave politics behind. It’s time for you to fulfill your sworn duty to the people, not to politicians,” he said.
Among the major thoroughfares that were flushed with water were Lagusnilad Underpass, United Nations Avenue, Taft Avenue, and Plaza Miranda in Quiapo.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Mayor Isko declares garbage crisis, flushes Manila streets”
