The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is “all-out” in its efforts against waste and flooding.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the cleaning of esteros, rivers and drainage is ongoing, along with strengthening solid waste management and long-term measures.

At the same time, Recto called on the public to join the government’s efforts and change the culture of waste disposal.

The national government and local government units are also strengthening collection, clearing, and waste management systems.

Recto emphasized that the “first line of defense” against floods and waste begins with the community. Therefore, it is also important for LGUs to partner with the national government.

“We need to have a widespread culture of discipline. As we said before, the garbage you throw away improperly will come back to you,” Recto said.

Recto led a meeting of key government agencies and representatives of LGUs on 20 August, which discussed faster clearing operations and long-term solutions to garbage.

“Our meeting revealed that there is no garbage crisis in Metro Manila, but there is a crisis in improper garbage disposal,” Recto said.

“The message of the President is clear: this is a problem that requires a whole-of-society approach, including our citizens,” he added.

According to Recto, the flow of garbage must be cut off while it is still in the community.

“When canals and streets are turned into garbage dumps, rivers become garbage expressways during heavy rains. There are no toll gates, so the trip continues all the way to Manila Bay or our larger waterways,” Recto said.

“Manila Bay is not polluted with plastic. As beautiful as the sunset here is, the amount of garbage you see from irresponsible littering is just as bad,” he added.

Recto urged Filipinos to change their garbage disposal habits, including proper segregation and disposal.

“This is not difficult to do because when Filipinos are abroad, we know how to obey the law: during garbage collection, segregation and disposal in the right place. We have discipline. I hope we will show it more when we are in our own country,” said Recto.

Under the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Oplan Kontra Baha, clearing, declogging and desilting operations are ongoing. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and LGUs are partners in this.

Pumping stations are also being ensured to be operational and ready, and logistics are also being strengthened for the rapid transportation and proper disposal of garbage, such as sufficient trucks, staging areas, and disposal facilities.

The allocation of a portion of the National Tax Allotment of LGUs for solid waste management projects is also being studied.

Also, the Cleanest Barangay Program to recognize and incentivize barangays that excel in sanitation and waste management.

Trash traps in waterways, Bayanihan sa Estero or TUPAD program, Estero Rangers, Environmental Monitoring Officers and Adopt-an-Estero Program are also being expanded. This also includes the procurement of solid waste management equipment for 16 LGUs.

Present at the meeting were DENR Secretary Mitch Cuna, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, DPWH Undersecretary Charles Calima Jr. and MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.

Also present were Laguna Lake Development Authority Acting General Manager Leopoldo Parumog, League of Cities of the Philippines President Mayor Francis Zamora and League of Municipalities of the Philippines President Mayor Inno Dy.