SHALLOW river, coupled by massive build-up of garbage compelled the government to temporarily suspend the operation of its ferry services, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
In an advisory, the MMDA cited the need to halt the Pasig River Ferry Service on May 19 as ferry boats could hardly traverse the waterway connecting the Laguna Lake and the Manila Bay.
“It’s really infuriating when a few undisciplined people make life difficult for so many others. A single plastic thrown anywhere, when combined, clogs esteros, worsens flooding, disrupts traffic flow, and puts entire communities in danger,” said MMDA General Manager Nicholas Torre III.
Torre, who has been the agency’s “go-to-guy” also urged the public to practice discipline in disposing garbage, which according to him compelled the agency to suspend the ferry boat operations.
According to Torre, clean-up operations alone won’t be enough to address recurring flooding and garbage problems in Metro Manila.
“The real battle is discipline and accountability. As long as there are Filipinos who think ‘it’s OK to throw garbage here,’ we will keep returning to the same problem,” he added.
He also reminded the public that cleanliness, flooding and traffic problems are not solely government concerns — “If we want an orderly city, we must learn to become responsible even when no one is watching.”