MMDA, Valenzuela conduct river cleanup

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in coordination with the Valenzuela City government, conducted a cleanup of the Kalabingkoho River in Barangay Malanday yesterday.

The initiative is part of the MMDA’s “Bayanihan sa Estero” program.

MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III and Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian led the activity, which focused on removing garbage and silt along the nearly two-kilometer river to improve water flow and mitigate flooding in nearby communities.

Torre said the cleanup is part of the MMDA’s efforts to rehabilitate major waterways across Metro Manila.

Upon the instruction of MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, the agency set a target to rehabilitate 25 major creeks or more by 2026, with the goal of completing key projects before the rainy season, according to Torre.

Gatchalian said the initiative is crucial for Valenzuela, particularly in areas bordering Meycauayan, Bulacan.

“When water level rises, the flow of water toward MacArthur Highway is often obstructed, directly affecting communities along the Valenzuela-Meycauayan boundary,” Gatchalian said.

He said continuous cleaning of the creek would help prevent it from exceeding its capacity during heavy rainfall.