The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Tuesday that it collected 24 dump truck loads, or 48 tons, of trash from Maligaya Creek in Caloocan City. The cleanup operation, which began last weekend, is part of the “Bayanihan sa Estero” program aimed at mitigating flooding ahead of the rainy season.

It was a joint effort between the MMDA and the Caloocan City government, which focused on Maligaya Creek, located near the La Loma Cemetery Exit and San Pancracio Parish in Barangay 120.

MMDA general manager Procopio Lipana stressed that the cleanup is a key component of the “Bayanihan sa Estero” initiative, a community program designed to remove accumulated garbage from esteros and canals across Metro Manila.

“The program, dubbed ‘Estero ay Alagaan, Bayan ay Protektahan,’ seeks to address major blockages that impede the natural flow of water,” Lipana said. “Through this initiative, we would be able to remove waste from drainage systems that could worsen flooding during heavy downpours.”