The government is launching a coordinated cleanup and declogging drive in Metro Manila to help reduce flooding while providing temporary jobs to thousands of displaced and disadvantaged workers ahead of the rainy season.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Tuesday convened officials of the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and Department of Labor and Employment to map out the flood-mitigation effort.
Acting Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program, or TUPAD, will be tapped to help clear drainage systems, esteros, rivers, and other critical waterways across the metropolis.
The cleanup will focus on removing accumulated waste, desilting heavily clogged waterways, and restoring the flow of water in drainage channels that often contribute to flooding in Metro Manila.
In a social media post, Recto said the cleanup drive was ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as part of intensified preparations for the rainy season.
He said concerned agencies are finalizing the number of workers to be deployed and coordinating with local government units for the immediate rollout of the program.
“Dalawang problema ang sabay nating tinutugunan dito, pagbaha at kabuhayan. Habang nililinis natin ang mga estero, ilog, at drainage systems, nakapagbibigay din tayo ng trabaho sa libu-libong Pilipino,” Recto said.
“We are addressing two problems at the same time here, flooding and livelihood. While we clean up the esteros, rivers, and drainage systems, we are also providing jobs to thousands of Filipinos,” he added.
The cleanup drive is expected to begin as soon as possible as the government prepares for the peak of the rainy season.
Meanwhile, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured the public that the Department of Social Welfare and Development is ready to respond to disasters throughout the year.
Gatchalian said Marcos directed agencies to ensure that preparations are in place before the southwest monsoon and the rainy season bring heavier rains.
He said the DSWD has more than 4.7 million family food packs prepositioned in nearly 1,000 storage facilities nationwide.
The agency is also coordinating closely with local government units to strengthen disaster readiness and provide technical assistance and resource augmentation when needed.