Senator Calls for Continuous Waterways Cleaning
MANILA, Philippines — As heavy rains begin to drench Metro Manila, flooding has once again become a pressing concern. Senator Loren Legarda has urged government agencies and local governments to take immediate and ongoing action to clear waterways. She emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to prevent the annual flooding that disrupts lives and livelihoods.
“The clearing process of our waterways should not be done just once, because trash will always return due to improper waste disposal,” Legarda said. “We call on the LGUs, MMDA, and DPWH to maintain clear waterways so that floods subside quicker and pose less of a threat to all of us.” Her call highlights the need for sustained efforts rather than temporary fixes.
Reevaluating Flood Prevention Projects
Legarda also stressed the importance of reviewing current flood mitigation and control projects. She urged authorities to ensure these initiatives remain effective and relevant to today’s challenges.
“We need to ensure that these projects are effective and are still aligned with our present-day needs. Our people deserve long-term solutions, not band-aid responses,” the senator explained. This reassessment aims to provide lasting relief for residents who face flooding each year.
Impact of Blocked Waterways on Flooding
Recent typhoons, strengthened by the southwest monsoon, have caused severe flooding across Metro Manila, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. One of the main reasons for the intense flooding is the clogging of drainage systems and natural waterways with trash and silt, which blocks the smooth flow of rainwater.
Legarda, who authored the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, pointed out that once waterways are cleared, authorities must segregate and properly dispose of the collected trash promptly.
“We must address correctly every sort of problem we are faced with, and we believe that proper waste disposal is a major solution in helping alleviate the deluge caused by yearly flooding,” she said. “We ask all residents to take care of the environment and ourselves by letting water flow unimpeded, as nature intended it to be.”
Senator’s Environmental Leadership
A United Nations Global Champion for Resilience, Senator Legarda has been instrumental in passing key laws on the environment and disaster resilience. These include the Climate Change Act of 2009 and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. Her ongoing advocacy underscores the urgent need for sustainable actions to protect communities from natural disasters.
For more news and updates on flood mitigation, visit Filipinokami.com.
