Officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and San Juan City urged the public to cultivate discipline and responsibility in promoting proper waste management.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora made this call as they inspected the clean-up operation at the Lambingan Bridge of the San Juan River.

Artes said the clean-up drive is part of the “Bayanihan sa Estero” program, the agency’s response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda to strengthen the country’s disaster resilience by cleaning up drainages and preventing flooding in Metro Manila.

The program focuses on systematically removing accumulated wastes from esteros and rivers in the National Capital Region.

“This clean-up drive seeks to reinstate the natural flow of waterways, reduce flooding, and foster environmental sustainability and accountability throughout Metro Manila,” Artes said in a media interview.

He noted that the MMDA conducts regular clearing operations of drainage systems, including declogging laterals, dredging waterways, removing silt from drainage mains, and eliminating accumulated solid waste that clogs waterways and causes flooding.

“Our personnel use heavy equipment to haul garbage, especially in desilting and dredging, to deepen and increase water carrying capacity during heavy rains,” he said.

The MMDA deploys backhoes, cranes, and dump trucks during cleanup and dredging operations.

Artes was accompanied in the event by San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, who thanked the MMDA for bringing the services of the program to the city.

“As the San Juan River is considered downstream, the water quickly overflows and floods our area during heavy rains. Also, San Juan City has 113 barangays, which are low-lying areas and adjacent to the San Juan River that are always affected by floods, so these clean-up efforts greatly help our city,” Zamora said.

To improve flood control, he said, more pumping stations would be set up in the city.

“Personnel also installed trash traps, which serve as barriers to prevent the flow of garbage thrown into the waterway,” he said.

During the cleanup, some Miss Earth Philippines candidates joined the activity and promoted cleanliness and greener practices for a healthier environment and a more sustainable metropolis.

Several volunteers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ride-hailing apps Grab, Angkas, Joyride, Move It, and TUPAD beneficiaries also participated in the clean-up. (PNA)