Residents of Barangay San Vicente in Calasiao, Pangasinan are concerned about water hyacinths and trash clogging the Marusay River, which have made draining floodwaters slow.
"Sagabal yun kasi kung minsan yung tubig, saka sana maalis," Vilma Bandong, a resident, said.
"Nahihirapan yung mga nababaha dulot ng bagyo. Dapat sana matanggal yun para tuloy-tuloy yung daloy ng tubig," Reynaldo Pacolan Jr., another resident, added.
In response, the barangay council continues regular river clean-ups to remove the water hyacinths and garbage, which also block canals.
The aim is to prevent future flooding by ensuring the smooth flow of water.
"Lagi naming linisin para maganda yung daloy ng ilog, para hindi bumara sa mga drainage o mga canal," Vanessa Kate Mendoza, Barangay Councilwoman, said.