MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicholas Torre III on Wednesday called for public discipline in waste disposal after massive garbage buildup in the Pasig River forced the temporary suspension of its ferry service.
In an advisory, the MMDA said ferry operations were temporarily suspended on Tuesday, May 19, due to the severe increase of garbage in the river that damaged several ferry boats and caused operational malfunctions.
“It’s really infuriating when a few undisciplined people make life difficult for so many others. A single plastic thrown anywhere, when combined together, clogs esteros, worsens flooding, disrupts traffic flow, and puts entire communities in danger,” Torre said.
The MMDA official said cleanup operations alone are not 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 okay to throw garbage here,’ we will keep returning to the same problem,” he said.
Torre added that cleanliness, flooding, and traffic problems are not solely government concerns but also reflect public discipline and responsibility.
“If we want an orderly city, we must learn to become responsible even when no one is watching,” he said.
