MMDA to launch 'Estero Blitz' August 8

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will launch a month-long intensive cleanup of Metro Manila esteros (waterways) on August 8. The "August Estero Blitz" entails a daily cleanup of esteros by MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office and Metro Parkway Clearing Group personnel. "We are targeting two esteros per day, which we hope will reduce flooding in most areas," MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said in an article on the MMDA website. The MMDA also said the "August Estero Blitz" stemmed from the agency's "480 Minutes Cleanup Drive" on July 24. In the July cleanup, some 8,000 MMDA personnel and volunteers cleaned up at least eight of Metro Manila's flood-prone areas. Protecting Philippine waters Tolentino cited a Dec. 18, 2008 Supreme Court decision requiring the MMDA and other government agencies to "protect and preserve, at the first instance, our internal waters, rivers, shores, and seas polluted by human activities." However, he said this cannot be done by the government alone. "A sustainable effort requires the integrated management of activities among government and the citizenry, anchored on effective public-private partnership," he said. The MMDA cited a study showing that flooding in Metro Manila was caused by the limited capacity of existing esteros, diversion channels, creeks, and other waterways due to indiscriminate dumping of garbage. Tolentino explained that tributaries, including esteros, have to be rid of garbage before cleaning Manila Bay. - VVP, GMA News