MMDA deploys 500 workers to clean up flood-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday deployed its personnel to conduct a massive cleanup of trash and debris left by the floods brought by monsoon rains in various parts of the metropolis.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino sent off around 500 street sweepers and personnel from the Metro Parkways Clearing Group, Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group, and Flood Control Sewerage Management Office. The cleanup teams were also given heavy equipment, firetrucks, water pumps, hoses, and other tools needed to hasten the clearing of the affected areas.

 “I have deployed one team for each of the 17 local government units of Metro Manila. They will be assigned to worst-hit barangays as determined by the mayors,” he said.

The teams will also clean the stretch of Roxas Boulevard in Manila and the coastline of Metro Manila. “We have to start our cleanup this early and prevent further clogging of our drainages and waterways,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino said the MMDA-led clearing and cleanup will continue until Wednesday. After that, the teams will be deployed to assist in the clearing of flood-affected areas in Bulacan.

Yesterday morning, Tolentino supervised the cleanup drive in Barangay Damayan Lagi in Quezon City and in Barangays Malanday, Tumana, and Nangka in Marikina City.