Garbage remains a big obstacle during the rainy season as it ends up in creeks due to the habit of some residents throwing their waste there.

This was according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday, as it called for responsible waste disposal and urged residents not to use creeks and waterways as garbage bins.

The agency lamented the fact that garbage has been irresponsibly thrown into esteros when, in fact, it is everyone’s responsibility to follow the provisions of RA 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

This Philippine law establishes a comprehensive ecological solid waste management program aiming to minimize waste through reduction, reuse, and recycling, while also promoting the proper treatment and disposal of waste in environmentally sound facilities.

“Let us not turn estero into our garbage bin. It is the responsibility of everybody to observe proper waste disposal,” said the MMDA.

The agency lamented the loads of garbage retrieved by its Tripa De Gallina Pumping Station, which included old furniture, wheels, tree branches, and other small garbage.

It highlighted that disposable materials and trash should not be dumped in creeks as they could damage parts of the pumping stations.

“The problem it will bring is the destruction of trash rakes and other parts of the facility that are helping to siphon floodwater now that heavy rains are pouring,” the MMDA said.

Earlier, MMDA chairman Romando Artes said that 71 pumping stations are operating at full capacity across Metro Manila, managed by the agency.

The MMDA chief added that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will also be constructing additional pumping stations.