President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spearheaded on Saturday, August 2, the launch of a large-scale estero cleanup campaign in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City—an initiative he described as essential to the nation’s long-term flood control and climate resilience strategy.
Speaking at the rollout of the “Bayanihan sa Estero: Malinis na Estero, Pamayanang Protektado” project, the President underscored the urgency of addressing Metro Manila’s heavily silted and trash-filled waterways.
He emphasized that even the most advanced flood control systems would be rendered ineffective if the esteros remained neglected.
“Magandang-maganda na lahat ng flood control projects natin, kapag ganito pa rin ang ating estero, eh wala rin,” he said.
“Mababaha pa rin tayo dahil walang madaanan ’yung tubig,” he added.
The project, spearheaded by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), involves the clearing of 23 priority esteros across the National Capital Region to remove solid waste, water hyacinths, and silt buildup that prevent water from flowing during heavy rains.
Marcos noted that before Tropical Depression “Crising” entered the country, at least 12 of the target esteros had already been cleared.
“Makikita natin, kapag malinis ang mga estero, mabilis din mawala ang baha,” he said.
With this, the President called for sustained action, urging other organizations to adopt creek sections and help ensure their year-round upkeep.
“Hindi na maaari na basta’t pababayaan natin na every year na lang, ganito ang nangyayari sa ating mga kababayan,” he said. (Argyll Geducos)
