The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) does not consider reclamation to be the cause of severe flooding experienced in Luzon, following Typhoon Carina and Habagat. They instead attributed it to clogged drainage systems from accumulated wastes.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan mentioned that the waterways leading to Manila Bay are not blocked.
"Kasi hindi naman nasasarahan ang mga waterways going to Manila Bay," Bonoan said during an exclusive interview with DZRH on Friday.
The Secretary's remarks came in response to allegations from some government officials and netizens that the severe flooding was due to the reclamation of Manila Bay.
Despite the agency's stance on the allegations, they vow to assess whether there is any technical basis for these assumptions.
“I still have to find it technical reasons kung bakit sinasabing nakakaapekto sa pagbaha," the secretary mentioned.
DPWH reiterated that clogged drainage systems caused by wastes are to blame for the extensive flooding. Bonoan cited that the accumulation of garbage in the estuaries is disrupting the water flow.
"Actually alam mo naman dito sa metro manila, ‘yang mga daluyan ng mga tubig baha kung minsan ay nasasarahan dahil sa mga basura," Sec. Bonoan said.
"Yun ang dapat nating pagtuunan ng pansin," he added.
The official assured that the DPWH is continuously taking action to address the waste problem and is also upgrading their pumping stations.
