MANILA – Individuals caught throwing garbage in the Pasig River or any waterways in the National Capital Region (NCR) may soon deal with uniform penalties, according to a Metro Manila Council (MMC) official.
MMC and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. stated that one of the subjects being considered by MMC members, the majority of whom are NCR mayors, is “harmonizing the ordinances” against individuals who continue to dump garbage into waterways.
“We will make a uniform ordinance to mete out sanctions or conduct community service for those who recklessly throw garbage,” Abalos said.
He added that the MMDA has built floating garbage nets to prevent waste from entering its pumping stations as a more concrete step in keeping waterways clean.
He said two truckloads of garbage are gathered everyday in the vicinity alone during his inspection of the installation of trash traps in one of the tributaries of Estero Tripa de Gallina in Pasay.
He claimed that 32 truckloads of garbage are collected regulary from Metro Manila’s 57 pumping stations.
“As we expect the volume of trash to increase because of the rains and inclement weather, we also plan to gradually install trash traps on all waterways such as canals and esteros to lessen the effect of flooding in Metro Manila,” Abalos said.
He also urged the people to refrain from throwing trash, particularly human waste, into waterways.
“We call on the public to avoid throwing garbage in prohibited places and we encourage everyone to instead recycle to lessen the waste we are collecting and eventually alleviate the effects of flooding,” Abalos said.
