The City Government of San Fernando stepped up its flood mitigation efforts during this wet season declogging drainage systems on Monday in the flood-prone areas.
Led by the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), in coordination with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First District Engineering Office, and Engr. Marni Castro—consultant from the private sector and city’s flood czar—the activity was done in some of the drainage canals in Barangay Sindalan.
According to City Engineer Anele David, the plan is to conduct the activity in the whole stretch of Mc Arthur Highway but they are currently prioritizing Sindalan and Maimpis areas.
“Ang pangunahing adhikain natin dito ay mabuksan at matingnan ang kalagayan ng mga kanal sa kahabaan ng Mc Arthur Highway ngunit dahil sa mga nakalipas na taon, napansin nating kadalasang dito sa Sindalan at Maimpis nangyayari ang flashflood kaya ang mga ito ang target na prayoridad natin ngayon,” David explained.
The CEO will report to the environment office the volumes of wastes—mostly plastics—scooped out of the drainage canals. “Ang susunod na step niyan ay ang koordinasyon natin kasama ang City Environment and Natural Resources Office ukol sa mas mahigpit na enforcement sa ating ecological solid waste management practices at ang panawagan natin sa publiko na suportahan ang programang ito dahil ito ang nagiging sanhi ng pagbaha,” David remarked.
CENR Officer Maria Regina Rodriguez has called on barangay officials to perform their mandates of implementing the solid waste management practices to keep their areas of jurisdiction clean.
“Ang Siyudad po ay nagbibigay ng paalala sa mga namamahala sa bawat barangay na panatilihin nilang malinis ang kanilang nasasakupan, drainage man yan o daan, dahil ito po ang kanilang mandato. Kung regular at maayos po ang pangongolekta ng basura sa mga kabahayan, hindi na sila magtatapon ng basura sa mga highway,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez also urged the business sector to comply with the CENRO’s mandates, including the provision of their respective waste holding areas.
“Ang mga malalaking establisimyento, may private haulers ang mga iyan dahil ito ay isang requirement mula sa atin na dapat magkaroon sila ng waste holding area habang ang mga basura naman ng malilit na tindahan ay kinokolekta ng ating city trucks, sa ilalim ng City General Services Office,” she added.
The CEO is set to continue the similar activity in the coming days, alongside other flood control programs such as desilting of major waterways and clearing, widening, and de-clogging of creeks and public compounds.