Linis Estero Program launched

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched recently a program that addresses the flood problem in Metro Manila by cleaning up the sewerage system.

Dubbed Linis Estero Program, the launching took place through the signing of a memorandum of agreement by DENR and the LGUs of Quezon City, San Juan and Mandaluyong, Sagip Pasig Movement, Pollution Control Office and Satellite Board of Directors-NCR.

Linis Estero Program is one of the flagship programs of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Michael T. Defensor. Its objectives are to undertake a collaborative campaign against indiscriminate dumping of wastes in waterways, mobilize adjacent communities and industries in stopping illegal waste dumping, sustain the clean-up of esteros in the country and promote proper waste management such as waste minimization, and resource recovery among estero communities.

The DENR hopes to institutionalize within the first 100 days the agencies and organizations playing key roles in the program.

The names of the critical esteros in Metro Manila and some places in the country to be initially managed under this program have been submitted to the National Solid Waste Management Commission secretariat headed by Alberto Magalang.

The sites in Metro Manila for the program launch are Estero de Paco, Manila, Maytunas Creek, Mandaluyong, San Juan River, San Juan and Dario Creek, Quezon City.