Massive estero cleanup launched

Marcos says unclogging drainage systems key to flood control, climate resilience

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

President Marcos on Saturday, Aug. 2, led the launch of a massive metrowide estero cleanup campaign, calling it a crucial step in the country's long-term flood control and climate change adaptation efforts.

In his speech at the launch of the “Bayanihan sa Estero: Malinis na Estero, Pamayanang Protektado” project in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City, the President said that even the best flood control infrastructure would be useless if Metro Manila’s clogged waterways remain neglected and filled with trash and silt.

"Even if all our flood control projects are excellent, if our esteros stay like this [clogged and silted], it won't matter. We'll still get flooded because water has nowhere to go, Marcos said.