HEAVY rainfall from the southwest monsoon (habagat) left waste buildup in waterways across Metro Manila, with government cleanup operations collecting 1,255 sacks of garbage from 27 waterways in the National Capital Region (NCR), according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–NCR (DENR-NCR) said its personnel collected the waste following heavy rains that caused flooding across the capital region.

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said proper waste management is a long-term measure to address flooding. “Clearing these blockages helped reduce the risk of further inundation and limited downstream transport of debris during the heavy rains,” Cuna said.

During the early morning of Aug. 18, the MMDA observed flooding along parts of Roxas Boulevard, including a four-inch-high flood in front of the US Embassy near the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach. Other portions of the boulevard recorded flooding of up to eight inches.

In Navotas, garbage buildup was also observed along the Tullahan River near the Bangkulasi Pumping Station, a major flood-control facility. Waste buildup was particularly visible around areas where fishing boats and rafts were stationed.

Malabon, on the other hand, experienced flooding reaching 18 to 19 inches and also recorded floating trash along waterways beside P. Aquino Avenue that flows into the Tullahan River.

The DENR urged residents and establishments to keep collected waste in designated areas and avoid disposing of debris into drainage systems. It also encouraged the public to coordinate with local government units for the proper disposal of bulky and flood-generated waste.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed the Department of Public Works and Highways and other concerned agencies to pursue a “holistic approach” to the country’s persistent flooding problem.

“We have been experiencing floods for decades. This is not a problem that can be fixed overnight,” he said, providing that the President has directed the administrative body to speed up its action in order to address the problem.

Dizon said reforms in flood-control projects had resulted in “small improvements” but remained insufficient to address the country's long-standing flooding problems.

President Marcos said the garbage buildup in Manila remained a critical problem. “Just look at it. Doesn’t it look critical to you? It does to me. I wouldn’t call it a garbage crisis, but that is the problem we are facing,” Marcos said.

Marcos said the situation highlights the need to address improper waste disposal alongside dredging and other flood-control measures, noting that newly cleared waterways could become clogged again if garbage continues to enter drainage systems.

The administration has been conducting dredging operations in waterways, canals, and esteros under Oplan Kontra Baha to improve water flow and reduce flooding. The president also reiterated his push for a waste-to-energy program to address the country’s growing waste problem and reduce the volume of garbage sent to landfills.

“So patuloy lang ang ating trabaho para mabawas-bawasan ang baha hindi lang sa Metro Manila, lahat ng buong Pilipinas. Iba-iba ang sagot, hindi naman pare-pareho ang problema. Iba-iba 'yung sagot,” he said.