MMDA: Waste management remains a major challenge in Metro Manila

Waste management remains a major challenge in the National Capital Region (NCR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III acknowledged Wednesday.

"Sa Metro Manila, talagang nakikita natin na malaking challenge ang waste management natin," Torre said in an interview on GMA News' Unang Balita.

(In Metro Manila, we can see that waste management is still a major challenge.)

He made the statement as the MMDA entered its third day of cleanup efforts at the Redemptorist Water Channel in Baclaran, where large amounts of garbage had accumulated following days of heavy rains.

The MMDA has deployed heavy equipment, including a trash skimmer, to remove waste from the middle of the water channel. Trucks are also being used to haul the collected garbage.

He said the MMDA has yet to determine the total amount of garbage removed from the water channel but an actual count is expected once the collected waste is tallied.

Torre estimated that the cleanup could be completed within a few days but said he could not provide an exact timeline.

According to Torre, the MMDA is also focused on preventing the same problem from happening again. He pointed out that simply cleaning the area would not be enough if the garbage buildup continues.

"Walang mangyayari, walang kuwenta kung lilinisin natin, pagkatapos, ganoon pa rin ang mangyayari [sa pagtatapon ng basura]," he said.

(Nothing will happen, our cleanup efforts will be wasted if the same garbage disposal practices are done.)

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. inspected Tuesday similar dredging and drainage-clearing efforts in Las Piñas City. He said progress has been made to mitigate flooding but more work was still needed.

Last Saturday, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla called on mayors in Metro Manila to look into potential corruption in their respective offices with regard to garbage collection and waste management contracts. — VDV, GMA News