Marcos: Marikina River no longer easily overflows after light rains

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said the Marikina River no longer easily overflows during light rains, citing the city’s improved flood management system.

In an ambush interview during his visit to the Marikina Centralized Materials Recovery Facility, Marcos said the city’s flood management efforts could serve as a model for other local government units (LGUs).

“Uulan lang, aambon lang nang kaunti, nakita na natin tataas na ‘yung tubig nang husto at mag-ooverflow na. Ngayon hindi na nangyayari 'yan dahil nga dito sa proyekto nito,” Marcos said.

(Before, we saw the Marikina River’s water level rise significantly and overflow even after light rains. Now, that no longer happens because of this project.)

He congratulated Marikina and urged other towns and cities to adopt similar measures to address flooding and waste management.

“Kaya congratulations sa Marikina at ito ay dapat gawing halimbawa para sa lahat ng iba't ibang settlement, lahat ng bayan, lahat ng lungsod, upang mabawasan natin ang problema natin sa basura,” he said.

(So congratulations to Marikina. This should serve as an example for all settlements, towns, and cities so that we can reduce our waste problem.)

Marcos said Marikina’s system includes clearing no-build zones along the Marikina River, relocating residents, removing structures from these areas, and installing trash catchers to prevent garbage from accumulating in the waterway.

He also cited the city’s recycling and waste recovery efforts, including turning food waste into compost and processing plastic waste into bags, bricks, and school desks.

The President described Marikina’s approach as an example of a circular economy, in which materials are reused and recycled.

He said the city’s system shows how flood management and proper waste management can work together as the country faces the effects of climate change.

Marcos also urged other LGUs to establish efficient waste collection systems.— MCG, GMA News