The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is coordinating with local government units to finish the cleanup effort in 11 esteros as part of its long-term commitment to improving urban waterway management in the National Capital Region.
The cleanup operations cover the Estero de Magdalena in Manila, Antipolo Canal in Rizal, Estero de Tripa de Gallina in Pasay City, Calatagan Creek in Makati City, the Navotas River, Catmon-Sucol Creek in Malabon City, Tumana Creek in Marikina City, Buli Creek in Pasig City, Talayan Creek in Quezon City, and the Hagonoy Pumping Station (Retarding Pond) and Maya-Pinagsama Creek, both in Taguig City.
These are part of the 23 identified esteros that have been prioritized for immediate intervention due to significant siltation, heavy accumulation of solid waste, poor flow conditions, and their susceptibility to recurrent flooding. These areas were also selected based on their impact on surrounding communities and proximity to flood-prone zones.
MMDA chairman Don Artes said initial operations have already commenced, with the cleanup and rehabilitation activities of all 23 priority esteros targeted for completion within the third quarter of the year.
“Our initiatives play a vital role in flood mitigation. We need to intensify these efforts of declogging our drainage laterals, dredging of open waterways, desilting of drainage mains, and removal of accumulated solid waste with the help of our stakeholders,” he emphasized.
He added that beyond the initial interventions, the MMDA will continually return to these sites for regular maintenance.
Over the weekend, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. launched the MMDA Bayanihan sa Estero Program, which aims to intensify efforts in cleaning and maintaining drainage infrastructures in Metro Manila.
Artes stressed that new MMDA-owned equipment will be used for desilting, and that public discipline is essential in reducing waterway clogging caused by indiscriminate garbage disposal.
