President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday spearheaded the launch of a large-scale waterway rehabilitation campaign to address flooding and environmental degradation in Metro Manila.

Dubbed “Bayanihan sa Estero: Malinis na Estero, Pamayanan Protektado,” the program was officially kicked off at Ilugin River (Buli Creek) in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City.

The initiative, led by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), focuses on cleaning and desilting esteros and waterways across the National Capital Region (NCR).

“We are here because we are launching the program that is led by MMDA on what we call the Bayanihan Estero Program. And what that essentially means ay lilinisin natin itong mga estero natin (is we will clean up all esteros),” Marcos said during the launch.

Under the program, a series of flood mitigation efforts will be undertaken, including unclogging drainage laterals, dredging waterways, removing silt from drainage mains, and eliminating accumulated solid waste.

The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to curb flooding caused by the increasingly intense weather brought on by climate change.

Marcos emphasized the need to incorporate watershed development into the program, pointing out how deforestation contributes to siltation in creeks and rivers.

“Watershed development is part of the solution; when there are enough trees in the watershed, the soil is not washed away. There won’t be siltation if there are many trees,” he added.

Climate reality checked

The President acknowledged the growing impact of climate change and the urgency to adapt infrastructure and community efforts accordingly.

Marcos said that aside from engineering solutions like pumping stations and flood barriers, natural interventions such as reforestation and community-driven cleanup campaigns are now more critical than ever.

During the launch, the President personally inspected ongoing cleanup efforts on Buli Creek, where large clusters of water hyacinths, known locally as water lilies, were removed using a crane mounted on a barge.

He also visited a mobile recovery facility showcasing byproducts of collected water hyacinths, including charcoal briquettes and decorative items like lily pots. The site also displayed recycled construction materials such as hollow blocks and plastic bricks.

The estero cleanup drive was held simultaneously at several locations, including Catmon Creek in Malabon City, Pinagsama Creek and Hagonoy Retarding Pond in Taguig City, and Tapayan Retarding Pond in Taytay, Rizal.

Marcos joined MMDA personnel and volunteers via video call to encourage and thank them for their efforts.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, 273 rivers, tributaries, esteros, and open canals have been identified across Metro Manila as key drainage channels for storm water and flood runoff.