PRRC praised for Maytunas Creek rehabilitation

(L-R) Ms. Elaine Aparis of LGU Manila DPS, Ms. Maria Luz Olazo of LGU San Juan-CENRO, Ms. Frederika C. Rentoy of LGU QC-EPWMD, Exec. Dir. Jose Antonio E. Goitia of PRRC, Mr. Emmanuel P. Oblea Jr. of LGU Mandaluyong-CENRO, and Dep. Dir. Anshari C. Lomodag Jr. of PRRC shows their unity toward controlling the pollution in San Juan River through the installation of inter-city trash traps last May 3, 2018.

Mayor Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos expressed her gratitude to PRRC Executive Director Jose Goitia and to all PRRC employees for their efforts in cleaning and developing the Maytunas creek.

The developed Maytunas creek linear park has been opened to the public since February 24, 2016.

The PRRC installed waste water interventions at Maytunas creek such as bioremediation and interceptor canal.

According to Goitia, the said creek’s 1,368 linear meters of recovered easements also feature solar-powered and electric lighting fixtures, paver blocks, concrete bench, railings, and ramp for persons with disabilities.

Prior to its rehabilitation, Mandaluyong LGU’s environmental management department head Emmanuel “Sonny” Oblea shared that they used to receive numerous complaints about the massive volume of wastes in Maytunas creek.

Mandaluyong City likewise installed trash traps before but their efforts were unsuccessful due to the massive amount of garbage to clean.

“Hindi pa ‘to [inter-city installation of trash traps] nagagawa, naglalagay na kami ng trap. Sa loob ng isang buwan, apat na beses na naglilinis kami because of numerous complaints,” said Oblea.

Oblea pointed out the important role of PRRC’s leadership and interagency cooperation in rehabilitating the creek that has prevented the flooding in the area.

“But because of the project of the PRRC again, inayos nila yung aming Maytunas creek. I think last year, wala na akong natatanggap na reklamo tungkol sa mga basura na nagka-clog doon sa aming part of Maytunas,” Oblea stated.

Maytunas creek is one of the 47 identified tributaries of the Pasig River system.

The awful condition of the Maytunas creek in Manadaluyong City before rehabilitation.

The rehabilitated Maytunas creek in Mandaluyong is looking beautiful as a linear park.