DENR: Stricter waste control needed as habagat expected in September

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called for stricter waste management as southwest monsoon or “habagat” is expected to persist through September, saying garbage clogging waterways can worsen flooding.

“Habagat is a natural phenomenon, but the waste that ends up in waterways is something that can be prevented,” said Environment Secretary Juan Miguel “Mitch” Cuna in a statement on Thursday.

The DENR said proper waste management before, during, and after heavy weather events is essential to prevent garbage from being washed into canals, creeks, rivers, shorelines, and Manila Bay.

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The department warned that improperly disposed waste can clog drainage systems and waterways, aggravate flooding, and eventually be carried downstream to rivers, coastal communities, and marine environments.

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Under Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, LGUs are responsible for implementing solid waste management programs within their jurisdictions.These include waste segregation, collection, recovery, recycling, composting, and the proper disposal of residual waste.

“As part of these interventions, a total of 196 trash traps have been installed across various local government units and key areas in Metro Manila to intercept floating debris and prevent waste from choking vital waterways,” said Cuna.

READ: 1,255 sacks of waste collected from Metro Manila waterways

Cuna said the DENR, through the Environmental Management Bureau, assists LGUs in complying with RA 9003 by monitoring waste management plans and facilities and providing technical support.

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These efforts include initiatives such as the MV Nilad Marine Cleanup & Disaster Response Program, which deploys a specialized vessel to collect debris in Manila Bay. 

The department also implements the Estero Rangers Health & Wellness Program, which supports community-based cleanup workers.

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The DENR also operates mobile services such as DENR Express, or “Permitting on Wheels,” to facilitate environmental clearances.

“Every piece of waste kept out of our waterways is one less obstruction to drainage and one less piece of pollution that can reach our rivers, coasts and seas,” said Cuna.LGUs were urged to ensure regular garbage collection, enforce waste segregation, clear waterways of illegally dumped waste, and properly dispose of residual waste.

LGUs were also advised to take preventive measures ahead of heavy rains and strong winds, including trimming trees and branches that could pose hazards.

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Meanwhile, the public was reminded to segregate waste at source, observe collection schedules, refrain from throwing garbage into canals, creeks and waterways, and properly secure household waste. /jpv