A total of 220.5 cubic meters of waste have been cleared from the drainage systems of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, as part of ongoing efforts to address flooding issues.
The substantial volume of garbage and debris had severely clogged key drainage points, contributing to recent flooding incidents in the area, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways Region Three (DPWH-3).
Based on the department’s data, 123.3 cubic meters were extracted from the Café Rustico-Petron section of Lazatin Boulevard, 59.4 cubic meters from Jose Abad Santos Avenue’s eastbound lane near Barangay Dolores, and 37.8 cubic meters from Manila North Road between the Topchillog-Jollibee intersection and the GBR Building.
The cleanup, which took place throughout September, highlighted the extent of waste accumulation in the city’s drainage systems. DPWH-3 said the obstructions, including trash, silt, and sand, had significantly hampered water flow, causing both traffic and flood disruptions.
Authorities emphasized the importance of proper waste disposal by residents and businesses to prevent future blockages. According to Pampanga 1st District Engineer Almer Miranda, regular monitoring and maintenance are now being prioritized to keep the city’s drainage systems functional and to mitigate the risks of future flooding.
Meanwhile, San Fernando City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Gemma Doble said their office continues to conduct clearing operations in various waterways as well as regular garbage collection. Doble suggested not all of these wastes were generated in the city as some are coming from the upstream areas.
“Hindi naman sa atin nanggagaling lang yung basura, more often than not nanggagaling siya sa upstream or yung katabing ating munisipalidad,” Doble said.
She added that the LGU is looking to coordinate with neighboring towns and cities to address the garbage problem that causes flooding in the province’s capital.(JYD)
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