MMDA hauls tons of garbage in Marikina, San Mateo after Ulysses

PASIG CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) – Tons of garbage was hauled by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in Marikina City and San Mateo, Rizal after the onslaught of typhoon ‘Ulysses’ last week. 

MMDA clearing operation. (Photos courtesy of MMDA)

According to MMDA, over 104 cubic meters of garbage or equivalent to 841.34 tons were collected as of November 22 from affected areas Marikina City and San Mateo, Rizal.

MMDA Chairperson Danilo Lim said clearing operations will continue until areas affected by the typhoon are clean and safe.

“Our personnel shall continue rendering assistance to affected residents until local government units’ rehabilitation works are completed. We are always ready to help in restoring normalcy in the affected communities,” said Lim.

Around 150 personnel are assigned to assist the local governments of Marikina and San Mateo, Rizal, in their clearing operations. Lim added that the agency also dispatched heavy equipment such as dump trucks, and pay loaders.

According to MMDA, areas of operation in Marikina City are in Barangays Malanday, Sto. Niño and Tañong, particularly Provident Village, while areas of operation in San Mateo, Rizal are in Barangays Guitnang Bayan, Banaba, and Sta. Ana.  

MMDA Metro Parkways Clearing Group head Francis Martinez said it would take several weeks more before Marikina and San Mateo are totally rid of garbage and mud left by floodwaters brought by typhoon ‘Ulysses’ last November 12. 

Garbage includes broken appliances, furniture, equipment, soiled stuff and clothing. Residents opt to throw the trashes away as they are soaked in floodwater.

“Garbage is also starting to emit foul odor so we are fast-tracking its collection. Based on our estimate, we can collect a year’s worth of trash in Marikina City from the thousands of homes affected by the typhoon in the city,” Martinez added.  

Meanwhile, Chair Lim distributed face masks, face shields, and relief bags donated by Philippine Hardware Foundation and St. Stephen High School Alumni Association when he inspected severely-damaged areas in Barangay Malanday, Marikina last November 17.

At the height of typhoon “Ulysses,” the agency was one of the first responders in rescue and evacuation operations in Marikina City. San Mateo, Rizal also sought the assistance of the MMDA in its ongoing clearing operations. (MMDA/PIA-NCR)   

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)