President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. holds a situation briefing on the effects of Super Typhoon Carina on Thursday, July 25. Screenshot from RTVM/Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday reminded Filipinos to properly dispose of their trash to keep the country’s drainage system free from clogging and prevent flooding, particularly in the National Capital Region.
“Nagka-problema lang. Sana matuto naman ang tao. Huwag kayong nagtatapon ng basura dahil ‘yung basura, ‘yun ang nagbara doon sa mga pump natin kaya hindi kasing effective na pwede,” Marcos said in an interview with the media in Malabon following his ocular inspection of affected areas in Metro Manila.
READ: Metro Manila now under state of calamity due to Typhoon Carina
(There was just a problem. I hope people will learn. Don’t throw trash because that trash is what blocked our pumps, so it’s not as effective as it could be.)
Aside from incorrect garbage disposal, Marcos likewise identified climate change also as a factor why Metro Manila was ravaged with flood waters.
“Mas marami tayong flood control ngayon kaysa noon pero climate change. This is what the effects of climate change are,” he said.
(We have more flood control now than before but climate change. This is what the effects of climate change are.)
During his ocular inspection, the chief executive was informed about pumping stations in Metro Manila. Navotas has 81 pumping stations while Valenzuela has 32.
“So, marami na ‘yung pumping station. Pero talaga you have to put it (trash) somewhere,” he said.
(So, there are many pumping stations. But you really have to put it (trash) somewhere.)
Carina is the country’s third tropical cyclone in 2024.
It exited the Philippine area of responsibility at 6:20 a.m. on Thursday after causing heavy downpour in most parts of the country, including Metro Manila.