THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, in collaboration with the Valenzuela City government, carried out a river cleanup operation on Thursday as part of the agency’s “Bayanihan sa Estero” program, an initiative introduced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that seeks to mitigate flooding by eliminating waste and silt from waterways.
MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III, along with Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian, spearheaded the cleanup initiative at the Kalabingkoho River in Barangay Malanday, with the assistance of the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office.
The operation aimed to prevent the buildup of waste and silt that could choke the two-kilometer Kalabingkoho River in order to enhance water flow and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby communities.
Torre emphasized that under the leadership of MMDA chairman Romando Artes, the agency remains committed to rehabilitating major waterways across Metro Manila.
“Upon the instruction of Chairman Artes, the agency has set a target to rehabilitate 25 major esteros or more by 2026, with the goal of completing key projects before the rainy season. This initiative underscores the importance of well-maintained waterways in flood prevention,” Torre said.
For his part, Gatchalian highlighted the importance of the Bayanihan sa Estero program for Valenzuela City, especially in areas bordering Meycuayan.
“When water levels rise, the flow of water toward MacArthur Highway is often obstructed, directly affecting communities along the Valenzuela–Meycuayan boundary,” the mayor noted.
“We are working together to continuously clean and maintain the creek. By deepening and widening it, we help ensure that it does not exceed its capacity during heavy rainfall,” he added.
The Bayanihan sa Estero program is be implemented across Metro Manila in partnership with local government units, promoting environmental stewardship while strengthening flood prevention and disaster preparedness measures.
