Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued a warning that improperly managed garbage can exacerbate flooding during heavy rains. The department is urging local government units (LGUs) and the public to keep waterways clear of trash, drawing from past experiences as the southwest monsoon, or 'habagat,' is expected to continue affecting parts of the country through September.
According to Philippines News Agency, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized that waste blocking canals, creeks, rivers, and drainage systems impedes water flow during heavy rainfall and eventually makes its way into coastal areas and the Manila Bay. He highlighted that while 'habagat' is a natural occurrence, the waste ending up in waterways can be prevented. Cuna stated, "Every piece of waste kept out of our waterways is one less obstruction to drainage and one less piece of pollution that can reach our rivers, coasts, and seas."
The DENR stressed that improperly managed waste could block drainage systems, worsen flooding, and pollute rivers and marine ecosystems. Cuna underscored the importance of the proper implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, especially before, during, and after severe weather, as flooding can displace garbage and carry it downstream.
Cuna noted that LGUs are primarily responsible for solid waste management in their respective jurisdictions under the law, which includes segregation, collection, recovery, recycling, composting, and proper disposal of residual waste. The law also prohibits littering and dumping in public places, including canals and esteros, as well as open dumping or burying waste in flood-prone areas.
The DENR, through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), continues to collaborate with LGUs to strengthen compliance with RA 9003 by monitoring solid waste management plans and facilities, requiring corrective measures for identified deficiencies, and providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to improve waste avoidance, recovery, composting, recycling, and the proper treatment and disposal of residual waste.
Furthermore, Cuna mentioned ongoing DENR programs aimed at addressing waste in waterways, such as the MV Nilad Marine Cleanup and Disaster Response Program, which employs a specialized vessel for debris collection in Manila Bay, and the Estero Rangers Health and Wellness Program, which supports community cleanup personnel. Additional mobile services like the DENR Express or "Permitting on Wheels" are being implemented to streamline environmental clearances for local communities.
The DENR also reported that trash traps have been installed across Metro Manila LGUs to intercept floating waste before it clogs waterways. Cuna revealed that 196 trash traps have been installed in various local government units and key areas in Metro Manila to prevent waste from choking vital waterways.
The department urged LGUs to enhance garbage collection, enforce segregation at source, maintain waterways and drainage channels free of illegally dumped waste, maximize Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and ensure the proper disposal of residual waste. LGUs were also advised to trim trees and branches that could pose hazards during heavy rains and strong winds.
Meanwhile, the DENR reminds the public to properly segregate and secure household waste to prevent scattering, adhere to collection schedules, and avoid littering and dumping garbage into canals, creeks, and waterways. The department emphasized that preventing garbage from reaching waterways begins before the rains, with proper waste segregation, regular collection, responsible disposal, and consistent enforcement of solid waste management rules.
