MMDA blames garbage for clogged drains, flooding: Discipline needed

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Don Artes holds a press conference in this file photo taken on October 18, 2024. INQUIRER.net / NOY MORCOSO

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday blamed garbage as a contributing factor to flooding in some areas, calling on the public to practice “discipline” in managing their waste.

MMDA chair Don Artes made the pronouncement during a Palace press conference tackling the government’s response to the heavy rains being experienced in Metro Manila and various provinces caused by the southwest monsoon.

READ: Orange rainfall warning up in Metro Manila, 7 Luzon provinces

During the press conference, Artes shared that the agency has found large amounts of garbage clogging drainage systems in certain areas, including items as large as a sofa and a refrigerator.

“Our drainage system is already small and outdated—it’s more than 50 years old. On top of that, it gets clogged with this kind of garbage,” said Artes in Filipino.

“It really becomes difficult for the water to drain and for the floods to subside. So we are appealing to our fellow citizens: we hope everyone can practice discipline when it comes to disposing of waste,” he added in Filipino.

Artes even said that there are 49 streets around Metro Manila that the MMDA has identified as flood-prone specifically due to blockages caused by garbage.

One example he mentioned is White Plains Avenue in Quezon City, where MMDA personnel had to clear the canal by removing garbage to allow the floodwaters to recede.

“So, that shows us that if there hadn’t been any garbage, flooding shouldn’t have happened in that area,” said Artes.

According to Artes, this goes to show that the flooding problem in Metro Manila is not just a responsibility of the government, but also of the public.

“We all need to work together. The government cannot solve this alone. Everyone’s participation is necessary—especially when it comes to proper waste disposal,” said Artes in Filipino.

Metro Manila and nearby provinces have been experiencing heavy rains for the past several days due to the effects of the southwest monsoon, along with the passing of other weather systems—like Tropical Storm Crising.

READ: LIST: Flooded main roads in Metro Manila on July 22

This inclement weather has caused flooding in various parts of Metro Manila, leaving commuters stranded and resulting in the suspension of classes and government work. /jpv