Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the government has launched a massive estero clean-up drive to help address flooding in major Metro Manila communities and along key thoroughfares amid delays in some long-term flood control projects.
Recto said the initiative is being led by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment.
Under the program, the DOLE and MMDA tapped 10,000 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program to clean, remove silt and debris, and regularly maintain key esteros and canals across Metro Manila beginning July 1.
The clean-up drive was launched after Recto met with the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, MMDA, and DOLE to accelerate the government’s preparations for the rainy season and strengthen inter-agency efforts against flooding in Metro Manila.
“Alam natin ang hirap na dinaranas ng ating mga kababayan tuwing bumubuhos ang malakas na ulan. Kaya pinalawak natin ang programang ito para mas mabilis nating maalis ang bara sa mga estero at daluyan ng tubig at mabawasan ang pagbaha. Continuous ito ngayong taon (We are aware of the hardships our fellow citizens face whenever heavy rains pour. That is why we expanded this program—to more quickly clear obstructions in esteros and waterways and reduce flooding. This will be a continuous effort this year),” Recto said.
“Habang isinusulong natin ang mga pangmatagalang solusyon, ito ang agarang hakbang na makatutulong sa ating mga komunidad (While we pursue long-term solutions, this is an immediate measure that will help our communities),” he added.