The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), NLEX Corporation, and the local governments of Valenzuela City and Meycauayan in Bulacan conducted another round of cleanup operations on Thursday, August 7, along the Caingin River.

This joint effort was targeted to mitigate flooding and improve water flow in the river that serves as a boundary between Valenzuela and Meycauayan.

Authorities used both manual labor and heavy equipment, including backhoes, to expedite the removal of garbage trapped in the waterway.

“This is crucial because clogged waterways can lead to flooding not only along NLEX but also in parts of Metro Manila. This area is low-lying, and water must flow freely from here to Manila Bay,” said MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana.

Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian reported that since June, approximately 450 truckloads of garbage have been hauled from the estero.

“We’ve seen factories and informal settlers along the riverbanks. Even if we clean it, it fills up again. Behind me is a bridge where water no longer flows due to accumulated trash and silt,” he said.

The cleanup comes in response to a recent flooding incident that paralyzed traffic for nearly 12 hours from Valenzuela to Balintawak. 

To prevent similar occurrences, NLEX management is now exploring permanent flood control measures.

 “We’re planning to build detention ponds with a capacity equivalent to eight Olympic-sized swimming pools to manage the surge of rainwater,” said MPTC Chief Regulatory Officer Arrey Perez.

The MMDA added that the 450 truckloads of waste collected from the Caingin River underscore the scale of the problem and the urgency of sustained cleanup operations.

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