Malabon gets P7.6 million flood control facility

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently turned over a flood control facility worth P7.6 million to the local government of Malabon.

Acting Environment Secretary Jim Sampulna said the Automatic Trash Rake (ATR) serves as an “alternative measure to improve flood control operation through better waste collection, with the capability of lifting large-sized trash in creeks and declog drainage systems.”

Sampulna said the ATR facility would keep floating debris, leaves and other solid waste from entering the Malabon-Navotas-Tullahan-Tinajeros River System..

During the turnover ceremony, Sampulna noted the valuable contribution of strategic partnerships between the DENR and other government agencies in the implementation of environmental programs.

“This is the reason why the DENR has been pushing for sustainable projects and forging partnerships with government agencies such as the DOST,” Sampulna said.

The ATR facility, which was installed along P. Aquino Avenue in Barangay Tonsuya, was designed by the Malabon City engineering department and DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center.

The flood control facility is expected to boost the DENR’s solid waste management program.

Sampulna expressed hope that the ATR facility would be replicated not only in Metro Manila but in the entire country.