The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stood firm that a large part of the flooding problem in cities is rooted in improper waste disposal.

This follows concerns from some residents along Quirino Avenue about the possible worsening of flooding due to trees that were cut down in the area for the upcoming Southern Access Link Expressway Project.

In a statement, DENR Acting Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna said proper waste disposal is key to addressing the flooding problem.

"Ang kailangan natin gawin para mabawasan ang baha ay magtapon tayo ng basura ng maayos. That's what we have to do. Because year in and year out kausap namin ang MMDA, may mga clogged mga drainage natin dahil sa basura. That's one of the main causes ng mga flooding," Cuna said. 

(What we need to do to lessen the flooding is to dispose of our garbage properly. That's what we have to do. Because year in and year out, we talk with the MMDA, and our drainage gets clogged because of garbage. That's one of the main causes of flooding.)

The agency further explained that while some low-lying areas are naturally prone to flooding, the situation worsens due to the lack of discipline in waste disposal.

The DENR called on the public to be part of the solution to the flooding problem.

Meanwhile, amid the issue of tree cutting, the DENR said the wood from the felled trees will not go to waste, as there are plans to convert them into chairs and tables for schools under the Department of Education.

According to the agency, they are already coordinating with DepEd and TESDA to process the wood and use it in producing school furniture.

In another statement, DENR Acting Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna explained the arrangement.

"So that's another arrangement and coordination with DepEd para sa mga school chairs and tables at tumutulong rin ng TESDA in that aspect para turuan rin yung mga tao kung paano to construct these chairs and tables which as you know we have a shortage of. So doon po wala tayong problema doon," Cuna added. 

(So that's another arrangement and coordination with DepEd for school chairs and tables, and TESDA is also helping in that aspect to teach people how to construct these chairs and tables, which as you know, we have a shortage of. So we have no problem with that.)

The agency also denied claims that decisions on the widespread cutting of trees were made without proper consideration, including reports that the DENR allowed tree cutting in Palawan.

DENR Acting Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna acknowledged the difficulty of the agency's mandate.

"Masakit na tungkulin po namin mag-issue ng tree cutting permit dahil we're the ones supposed to be ensuring na kumakapal ang forest cover natin but at the same time kami ang naatasan sa ilalim ng batas na mag-issue ng tree cutting permit for whatever purpose. Private property, whether it's in public land, kami pong naatasan. Hindi ko po masisisi ang publiko kung magalit o hindi maganda ang dating sa kanila ng mga nangyayaring ganito, but in this, pinag-daanan natin ang mitigation hierarchy,"

(It is a painful duty for us to issue tree-cutting permits because we are the ones supposed to ensure that our forest cover thickens, but at the same time, we are mandated under the law to issue tree-cutting permits for whatever purpose. Private property, whether on public land, we are the ones mandated. I cannot blame the public if they get angry or if these incidents do not sit well with them, but in this, we went through the mitigation hierarchy.)

DENR reminded the public that addressing environmental concerns such as flooding and garbage is not solely the responsibility of the government, but of every citizen.