An inspection by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday at the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station, the largest in the National Capital Region (NCR), revealed significant amounts of garbage clogging its systems.

The discovery comes as the country grapples with widespread flooding from the southwest monsoon.

MMDA chairperson Don Artes said the inspection aimed to ensure the unimpeded operation of the pumping station, especially in light of the current inclement weather. The move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent order for government agencies to implement proactive measures and ensure readiness for monsoon effects.

Earlier, MMDA personnel at the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station collected heavy loads of debris, including old furniture, broken refrigerators, wheels, tree trunks and other large waste items.

“When plastics are sucked into the pump, they get coiled in the engine, resulting in overheating,” Artes said. “The efficiency of our pumping stations are really affected and could result in damaged equipment.”

He also pointed to Metro Manila’s outdated drainage system as a contributing factor to the flooding issues.

“Our drainage system is antiquated, with more than 50 years of service,” Artes said. “To address these issues, we need a drainage master plan for Metro Manila that involves upgrading and expanding the existing drainage network, constructing new pumping stations, among others.”

Despite the challenges, Artes assured that all 71 pumping stations, vital for addressing Metro Manila’s flooding problems, are operating at full capacity and stressed that public discipline, particularly proper waste segregation, remains crucial in mitigating flood impacts.

Personnel from the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office, under director Baltazar Melgar, regularly conduct declogging and dredging operations in major thoroughfares, a program initiated even before the onset of the rainy season.