New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), and San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through its Better Rivers PH, claimed that their joint cleanup drives have resulted in the easing of flooding around NAIA and surrounding areas in Paranaque City.
In a joint statement, the two entities said their efforts are crucial with the onset of the rainy season as this addresses one of the major causes of urban flooding.
NNIC reported that as of July 12, the initiative has successfully removed approximately 225,000 metric tons of waste across 4.8 kilometers of river channels and clogged waterways in the city.
The extensive cleanup has resulted in a larger carrying capacity and enhanced outflow to Manila Bay especially in sections previously made shallow and restricted by years of accumulated waste and clogged outflows.
A substantial portion of the extracted waste, around 126,000 tons of silt and debris came from a 3.3-km stretch of the Paranaque River. Large volumes of waste and silt were also removed from other waterways including Don Galo River (46,000 tons), Villanueva Creek (27,000 tons) and San Dionisio Creek (25,000 tons).
In addition, the on-going initiative also cleared clogged natural flood drains leading to Airport Creek, Cut-Cut Creek, Multinational Creek, and Libjo Creek. A total of 17,800 tons of garbage and silt were removed from around 2 kilometers of these specific waterways.
To further boost flood prevention efforts around the airport complex, SMC and NNIC also de-clogged drainage systems along Domestic Road and NAIA Road.
“We’re very happy with the results so far. We have been receiving good feedback from members of the community, that despite the recent heavy rains, no major flooding had been observed in nearby areas of the airport. Same with the airport. Passengers did not experience any disruptions or delays caused by flooding,” said SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang.
