DPWH chief declares 'garbage crisis,' calls for master plan

MANILA, Philippines – Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday described the country's worsening waste problem as a "garbage crisis," calling for a comprehensive master plan to address the issue.

Dizon issued the statement after inspecting a large accumulation of garbage in a drainage channel in Parañaque City, which he said appeared to have been carried and scattered by the high tide the previous day. The area was clear when he passed by on Sunday, but the volume of garbage had significantly increased by Monday, he said.

Parañaque officials told Dizon it was the first time such a large amount of garbage had accumulated in the area.

"It was indeed a garbage crisis," Dizon said, stressing the need for a decisive and long-term solution to the country's waste problem.

The accumulation of garbage in waterways was among the major factors contributing to the clogging of drainage systems, canals and esteros, particularly during periods of heavy rain and high tides, he said.

Dizon said the DPWH and other government agencies had been removing large volumes of garbage from waterways as part of the government's cleanup operations, but the problem quickly returns. He cited information from DPWH Undersecretary Charles Kalima, who is overseeing the cleanup operations, that waterways could be cleared one day only to become filled with garbage again the following day.