Pasay city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday described the garbage situation in Metro Manila as "critical," as massive volumes of waste have clogged waterways, worsened flooding, and disrupted the operation of critical drainage infrastructure. Marcos inspected ongoing clearing and waste collection operations at the Diokno Pumping Station along the Jose W. Diokno Boulevard North in Pasay City, where large amounts of garbage had accumulated.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos told reporters that the situation, though not a "garbage crisis," presents a significant problem. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who accompanied the President, described the problem as a "garbage crisis," noting that garbage clogged key waterways across the capital region, exacerbating flooding amid continuous heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon or "habagat."
The President pointed out that the garbage buildup is directly affecting flood-control operations, with waste entering waterways and quickly clogging pumping stations. Marcos explained that much of the garbage had not originated from the immediate area but was carried from Manila Bay, with high tide and floodwaters contributing to its accumulation around the pumping station.
The government is actively working to clear garbage from incoming water before it reaches the pumping facilities, part of efforts to keep critical drainage infrastructure operational. Marcos emphasized the need to address improper waste disposal alongside dredging and other flood-control measures.
Under its broader Oplan Kontra Baha initiative, the administration has been conducting dredging operations in waterways, canals, and esteros to improve water flow and reduce flooding. However, Marcos warned that newly cleared waterways could become clogged again if garbage continues to enter the drainage system.
As a longer-term solution, the President reiterated his push for a waste-to-energy program to address the country's growing waste problem and reduce the volume of garbage directed to landfills. He noted that the technical aspects of the program have been completed, and the government is working on involving local government units, determining plant locations, and purchasing electricity generated from waste.
Marcos revealed that the government is moving toward an auction for the electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities, with results expected within a year to a year-and-a-half. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to address flooding through multiple measures, noting that solutions will vary depending on the conditions in each area.
Following his inspection of the Pasay pumping station, Marcos also visited the Baclaran River in Para±aque City, where a massive volume of garbage had accumulated.
