Residents and officials of Barangay Lucao, Dagupan City, waded into De Venecia Creek to clear trash and weeds left behind by recent tropical cyclones, as part of the city’s “Ilog Ko, Irog Ko” program.

The cleanup drive removed overgrown plants from the drainage system, which locals say have been blocking water flow during heavy rains.

“Ang ginagawa namin, talagang lahat ng mga damong nasa gitna, tinatanggal kasi during the floods, nakita namin na nag-hamper ‘yung damo doon sa pagdaloy ng tubig,” Barangay Chairman Marcelino Fernandez said.

Some residents hope the effort will inspire other communities to take similar action.

“Para din sa mga isda, kalikasan, para ano, para makita rin ng ibang tao na maglinis din sila ng kapaligiran nila,” Richard Paragas, a volunteer, said.

Barangay Lucao holds cleanups once a week, focusing on creek sections that connect to the Pantal River.

Fernandez said it is important to keep waterways clear, especially on areas prone to overflowing.

“Nung nagdaang baha, kung titignan natin ang daming sinisisi pero saan ba ‘yung ambag ng bawat Pilipino? Wala silang pakialam kung walang baha,” he said.