A canal along Jimenez Street in Barangay Guilig, Mangaldan, Pangasinan is causing concern among locals due to its dirty condition, bad odor, and piles of garbage blocking the flow of water.

Dark, stagnant water now fills the canal, which is nearly overflowing. Some manhole covers are missing, exposing the poor state of the drainage system.

Residents fear the situation could lead to mosquito breeding and flooding when the rains start.

“Pamumugaran kasi ’yan ng lamok. Tapos kapag umulan na, aapaw. Sa amin din ang bagsak ng tubig,” Jay-Ar Tecson, a resident, said.

Barangay Chairman Alex Razo said declogging operations have been scheduled and rehabilitation of other canals is ongoing.

“Kailangan talaga declogging. ’Yan ang gagawin namin,” he added.

Razo called on residents to take responsibility by disposing of their waste properly and cleaning areas in front of their homes.

He also urged everyone to stop throwing trash into open canals to help prevent flooding and disease in the community.

“Sabi ko sa mga residente, kung magtapon sila ng basura, huwag sa kanal. Ayusin nila mga basura nila para hindi maipon sa kanal,” Razo said.