DPWH seeks cooperation of the public in disposing garbage properly

Manila, Philippines (Saiko3p / Shutterstock)

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is asking for the cooperation of the public to properly dispose their garbage since it is one of the major causes of flooding in Metro Manila.

“Pakiusap namin ay disiplina. Sana iwasan ang pagtatapon ng basura kung saan-saan, lalo na sa malapit sa pump station at drainage sa kalye,” DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said at the sidelines of the celebration of the department’s 117th anniversary on Monday.

With this, he urged for patience as regards to the flood control projects of the government that are still under construction at present.

He explained that such projects, particularly major undertakings, could not be completed instantly but take a long period of time.

“Kailangang intindihin ang programa namin, baka makarinig ako, bakit ngayon uumpisahan kung kelan tag-ulan? Tuloy-tuloy ang programa, we need to repair and it is a year-long program,” Singson said.

He also reported that they are upgrading the drainage system in Metro Manila.

At the same time, Singson said they are conducting other major projects such as the clearing of the nine waterways in Metro Manila.

“We have identified San Juan River, Maricaban, Sunog Apog, Napindan creeks, among others, and unfortunately kailangan na i-clear ang close to 19,000 informal settlers. So far, they have cleared 7,000 informal settlers,” he said.