SMC extracts 300,000MT of silt and solid waste from the Tullahan-Tinajeros River system

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) reported that it has dug up 300,000 metric tons of silt and solid waste through its ₱1 billion initiative to revive the Tullahan-Tinajeros River System.

The ongoing silt and solid waste extraction from the tributary is also expected to prevent major flooding in the cities of Navotas, Malabon, and Valenzuela during the rainy season.

SMC President Ramon S. Ang said that, despite pandemic limitations, there has been no stopping the company’s river cleanup operations and that it is now working toward deepening and widening parts of the river to complement government’s flood mitigation measures.

The project is also in support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Manila Bay Rehabilitation project.

“We have been successful so far mainly because of the guidance of the DENR and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as well as the support of our local governments and other stakeholders,” said Ang.

“Our learnings from the Tullahan project will allow us to work even more efficiently and effectively in our other major river rehabilitation projects,” he added.

The cleanup team is currently operating in Barangay Longos in Malabon City and will work on sections in Barangay Bangkulasi and Tanong in Navotas City next.

The project team has also been cleaning and widening the river section between Marulas, Valenzuela and Potrero, Malabon last April to help mitigate flooding in the area.

“Even during the rainy season, our dredging teams will continue their operations to ensure that the Tullahan river will have greater capacity to receive flood waters from adjacent areas, particularly during typhoon season,” said Ang.

As of June 28, a total of 301,695 metric tons of silt and solid waste have been removed from the first 11.5-kilometer section of the river from Manila Bay in Navotas to Potrero in Malabon and Valenzuela cities. The target dredging output is 1 million metric tons for this section.

“For this section, we expect to the get the job done in three to four years. With added equipment and personnel, our operations have improved significantly and we are happy to see the immediate results in the reduction of major flooding,” said Ang.

SOURCE: Manila Bulletin