President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday said flood control projects on their own would not prevent floods if esteros or waterways remain clogged with trash or water hyacinths.
The President called for full cooperation from all sectors in the cleanup of heavily silted and polluted waterways in Metro Manila to prevent recurring flashfloods.
“Kailangan natin magsama-sama, magkaisa, at pagtulungan ito. Dahil alam naman natin ang matinding usapan sa nakaraang ilang araw ay ‘yung flood control projects,” President Marcos said during the launch of the Bayanihan sa Estero campaign in Buli Creek in Pasig City.
“Kahit magandang-maganda na lahat ng flood control projects natin, kapag ganito pa rin ang ating estero, wala rin, mababaha pa rin tayo dahil walang madaanan ‘yung tubig,” the President added as he remarked on the ongoing cleanup of Buli Creek that is heavily congested with water hyacinth.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address last Monday, President Marcos denounced corruption in flood control projects in light of recent widespread flooding amid the enhanced monsoon rains.
The Chief Executive ordered an audit of flood control projects in the past three years and said the government would hold accountable those responsible for anomalous and non-existent projects.
During the Bayanihan sa Estero launch on Saturday, President Marcos said heavily clogged and silted waterways contribute to recurring flashfloods during heavy rains.
“Wala tayong magagawa dahil sa dami ng bagsak ng tubig. Ngunit makikita natin kapag malinis ang mga estero, mabilis din mawala ang baha.
“Kaya naiiwan ang baha dahil walang madaanan ng tubig at tatagal talaga na may tubig sa mga bahay-bahay lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga nakatira dito sa tabi ng mga creek natin,” the President said.
A multi-sectoral undertaking led by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Bayanihan sa Estero campaign involves national agencies, local government units, and civil society groups in the cleanup of major esteros in Metro Manila.
Of the 23 prioritized esteros, 12 have undergone cleanup while five, including Buli Creek, are currently undergoing cleanup.
The MMDA has targeted to complete cleanup operations for all 23 priority esteros by the third quarter of the year. | PND
