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MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called for stricter waste management as southwest monsoon or “habagat” is expected to persist through September, saying garbage clogging waterways can worsen flooding.
“Habagat is a natural phenomenon, but the waste that ends up in waterways is something that can be prevented,” said Environment Secretary Juan Miguel “Mitch” Cuna in a statement on Thursday.
The DENR said proper waste management before, during, and after heavy weather events is essential to prevent garbage from being washed into canals, creeks, rivers, shorelines, and Manila Bay.
The department warned that improperly disposed waste can clog drainage systems and waterways, aggravate flooding, and eventually be carried downstream to rivers, coastal communities, and marine environments.
