Home News Manila's 'Sea of Trash' Cleanup Efforts Underway

Manila's 'Sea of Trash' Cleanup Efforts Underway

Aug 12, 2026
54 min
6
Aug 12, 2026 08:31
'Sea of trash' in Manila: Before-and-after cleanup

## Massive Trash Accumulation in Manila

A significant accumulation of trash in Manila's Redemptorist Water Channel has been causing severe water flow restrictions and flooding in nearby areas. The situation, described as a "garbage crisis" by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, has persisted for decades.

## Cleanup Operations

Following heavy monsoon rains, joint efforts by the Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and Parañaque city government have been underway to clear the debris. Before-and-after images show a dramatic reduction in trash, with 72 truckloads, approximately 397 metric tons, removed over three days.

## Presidential Response

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attributed the unprecedented trash buildup to a damaged trash trap and extreme rainfall, which washed debris from Manila Bay into the channel. He emphasized the need for improved waste management practices and infrastructure to prevent future occurrences.

## Future Measures

Marcos highlighted the importance of establishing proper waste disposal facilities and suggested adopting waste-to-energy solutions to reduce landfill dependency. He also pointed to Japan's waste management system as a model for the Philippines to follow.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Guide illustration
Article contents