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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
August 3, 2025 | 12:00am
President Marcos leads the launching of the MMDA’s Bayanihan sa Estero program at Buli Creek in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City yesterday. Joining the President are MMDA Chairman Don Artes, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski Jr. and other government officials. The project aims to intensify efforts to clean and maintain drainage infrastructure in Metro Manila to prevent clogging that contributes to severe flooding during the rainy season.
NOEL PABALATE
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos urged the public to take part in the “Bayanihan sa Estero Program,” an initiative led by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) aimed at cleaning waterways to reduce flooding in the capital.
The program targets cleaning a total of 23 esteros or creeks across Metro Manila, Marcos said, after leading the launch of the program at Buli Creek in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig yesterday.
“Before (tropical storm) Crising arrived, we had already cleared 12 esteros. So, somehow, we were able to reduce the impact (of flooding),” the President said.
“We can see that when esteros are clean, floodwaters subside quickly,” he added.
The MMDA project involves the removal of solid waste, water hyacinths and silt buildup which block water flow, causing floods in some areas.
“Everyone needs to work together – local government, national government, MMDA and all volunteer groups in civil society,” Marcos said.
He also recognized a group of Filipino war veterans who “adopted” a portion of the creek.
“That means their responsibility from now on is to make sure that it’s clean. Hopefully, other civil groups will do the same and adopt a certain section and they will be in charge of cleaning and ensuring that water flows properly,” Marcos said.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address, Marcos called on Filipinos to be vigilant and practice proper waste disposal, after severe flooding hit several areas in Metro Manila due to days of heavy rains.
Garbage that clogged the drainage system was also blamed for the recent floods in the metropolis.
“To my countrymen, no (disaster) preparedness would be effective without your help,” Marcos said.
“Practice discipline especially in disposing of trash,” he said.
