MMDA still declogging metro esteros

MANILA, Philippines - With the state-run weather bureau PAGASA declaring that the rainy season has officially began, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) expects to finish declogging the capital region's waterways and esteros by the end of the week.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the agency has prepared early for the onset rainy days to ease the perennial massive flooding in the metropolis.

"I have to admit we cannot totally prevent [flooding]. If you are referring to the total flood prevention, that is difficult to achieve," Tolentino said.

He added that the agency has been doing its best effort to address the problem, which includes the declogging of creeks and other waterways.

Tolentino said that the Department of Public Works and Highways is in charge of the flood prevention program in Camanava (Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela) area, a low-lying area situated in northern Metro Manila.

"The DPWH is continuously replacing old dikes and we are likewise conducting regular declogging on existing ones," he added.