Plastic waste causing Mandaue City floods

CEBU, Philippines — Days after the heavy flooding incident in Mandaue City, at least a ton of plastic waste were retrieved during a drainage system clean-up conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) along Lopez Jaena Street, Barangay Tipolo, on Wednesday, June 11.

The initiative aimed to address flooded streets and traffic congestion along the highway during heavy rainfall—conditions largely attributed to clogged drainage systems.

In coordination with the Mandaue City Office of the City Engineer, DPWH recovered large amounts of non-biodegradable waste, mostly plastics. According to Engr. Joel Sison of the DPWH Maintenance Division, these materials are among the primary causes of flooding as they obstruct the drainage flow.

“Usa gyud na siya kay mahunong man ang flow sa tubig,” said Sison, referring to plastic waste as a key factor in impeding water flow. He emphasized that without such blockages, water would be able to pass freely through the drainage system.

Sison also advocated for the expansion of the drainage infrastructure to better accommodate heavy rainfall.

“Mas maayo siguro padak-an ang atong drainage para ang flow niya dako ang ma ato kay kusog ang volume sa tubig labi na mag-uwan,” he stressed.

Currently, the drainage measures approximately 5 to 6 feet in depth with a 30-meter diameter catch basin. However, the accumulation of plastic waste continues to hinder water flow, leading to frequent flooding during storms.

The DPWH said the drainage clean-up will be conducted regularly in the coming months, especially during the rainy season. Efforts will also be intensified in the southern part of Mandaue City.

Other flood-prone areas, including Barangay Banilad, A.S. Fortuna Street, and Subangdako, are also scheduled for drainage clean-up operations to help mitigate flooding in the city. — Giane Kate Pilapil, CNU Intern/FPL (FREEMAN)