Ilugin River (Buli Creek), Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City
August 2, 2025
“We are here because we are launching the program that is really led by – that’s led by MMDA on what we call the Bayanihan Estero Program. And what that essentially means ay lilinisin natin itong mga estero natin,” remarked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he led the launching of the Bayanihan sa Estero: Malinis na Estero Pamayanan Protektado program at the Buli Creek in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City.
The program identified 23 esteros that have been prioritized for immediate intervention because of significant siltation, heavy solid waste build-up, poor flow conditions, and vulnerability to recurrent flooding. These areas also affect nearby communities due to their proximity to flood-prone zones.
“And this is our response. At maganda naman dahil mula noong nasimulan natin, there were 23 esteros that we wanted to clear. Bago pa dumating ang Crising, bago dumating ang Crising, nakapag-clear na tayo ng isang dosena, labindalawang estero na nalinis na natin. Kaya kahit papaano nabawasan ang epekto. Wala tayong magagawa dahil sa dami ng bagsak ng tubig. Ngunit makikita natin kapag malinis ang mga estero, mabilis din mawala ang baha,” the President stressed in his message.
During the event, he observed the actual conduct of the cleanup drive in Buli Creek while being briefed by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes. Water hyacinths are being removed from the creek by a crane on a barge and then loaded onto dedicated dump trucks. The President was also shown the mobile recovery facility where the by-products of the water hyacinths, such as lily pots and charcoal briquettes, are displayed.
Similarly, he engaged with the volunteers and MMDA personnel conducting simultaneous cleanup drives at four (4) sites: Catmon Creek in Malabon City, Pinagsama Creek in Taguig City, Hagonoy Retarding Pond in Taguig City, and Tapayan Retarding Pond in Taytay, Rizal.
“Kailangan na talaga tayo mag-adjust sa climate change. At kahit anong gawin natin ay hindi natin mapipigilan ang tinatawag na climate change at ang pagbigat ng dating ng bagyo at pagdami ng pagbaba – ang dami ng pagbaba ng siltation, at ang daming mga nagiging basura na hinaharang ‘yung creek natin, sinisira ‘yung mga pumping station natin. At ‘yun ang isang malaking bahagi sa flood control na hindi pa natin naaayos. Ngayon ay inaayos na natin,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his remarks.
The Bayanihan sa Estero: Malinis na Estero Pamayanan Protektado program is being carried out using a multi-sectoral approach, with the MMDA leading the national government agencies along with local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations, private companies, and non-government organizations (NGOs).
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