Introduction
The Philippine government is ramping up waterway dredging and cleanup operations in flood-prone areas of Valenzuela City and Bulacan, aiming to prevent a repeat of the severe flooding that recently disrupted traffic along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that dredging works are ongoing day and night, with crews from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) clearing creeks and waterways of silt, debris, and other obstructions.
In Line with the President’s Flood Mitigation Directive
Secretary Dizon emphasized that the continuous dredging operations form part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s direct order to clean and restore the 11 major waterways in the affected region. This large-scale initiative is a proactive measure to address the root causes of flooding, rather than relying solely on reactive solutions after heavy rains and storms.
One focal point of the operations is the Paso de Blas Creek in Valenzuela City, a waterway whose silted and obstructed state contributed to the rapid accumulation of floodwaters during the last heavy downpour. By clearing this and other strategic channels, authorities aim to restore natural water flow and prevent excess rainwater from spilling over into roads, residential areas, and critical transport corridors like NLEX.
Site Inspection and Local Cooperation
Dizon, alongside Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian, recently conducted an on-site inspection of ongoing waterway dredging activities. The visit highlighted not only the removal of accumulated sediment but also slope protection works, which reinforce the creek banks to withstand heavy currents during rainy seasons.
The transportation chief underscored that tackling flooding requires coordinated action from national and local governments, as well as the private sector. “Flooding is not just a local problem—it affects transportation, commerce, and public safety. This is why dredging efforts have to be sustained and supported by everyone,” Dizon said.
Mayor Gatchalian echoed this sentiment, stressing the city’s commitment to complement the national government’s dredging program through localized cleanup drives, solid waste management campaigns, and strict enforcement of ordinances against dumping garbage into waterways.
How Waterway Dredging Helps Flood Prevention
Waterway dredging plays a critical role in flood mitigation by removing silt, sand, trash, and vegetation that restrict water flow. Over time, natural sedimentation and human-induced waste dumping narrow water channels, reducing their capacity to handle stormwater runoff. When heavy rains arrive, these constricted waterways overflow quickly, resulting in flash floods.
By restoring the depth and width of creeks, canals, and rivers, dredging ensures that they can carry larger volumes of water without spilling over. In urban settings like Valenzuela and Bulacan, where impermeable surfaces like concrete and asphalt accelerate rainwater flow, maintaining clear waterways is essential to avoid catastrophic flooding.
In the case of NLEX, a major transportation artery connecting Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon, flood prevention is not just a matter of local convenience—it is a national economic priority. Flood-related disruptions on this highway affect the movement of goods, services, and commuters, impacting industries and communities across the region.
Integrating Slope Protection and Structural Improvements
Beyond dredging, the current operations also include slope protection measures along the cleared waterways. These reinforcements help stabilize embankments, reducing the risk of erosion during periods of strong water flow. Concrete linings, riprap structures, and vegetation planting are some of the techniques being applied to keep the channels intact after clearing.
DPWH engineers have pointed out that dredging alone is insufficient if banks collapse and refill the waterways with sediment. Therefore, the integration of slope protection ensures that the benefits of the cleaning efforts last longer and require less frequent maintenance.
Public Awareness and Private Sector Involvement
Another key element of the campaign is encouraging public cooperation. Authorities are urging residents to refrain from throwing garbage into creeks and canals—a habit that significantly contributes to blockages. Public information drives and barangay-level patrols are being intensified to reinforce responsible waste disposal practices.
The private sector is also being tapped for assistance. Companies operating in the flood-prone zones are being encouraged to help fund or provide equipment for waterway dredging, recognizing that flood control protects business operations as well as communities.
A Long-Term Approach to Flood Control
While dredging is an effective immediate intervention, experts note that long-term flood control requires a combination of measures, including improved drainage systems, rainwater catchment facilities, reforestation of upstream areas, and stricter zoning regulations to prevent construction on natural floodplains.
In this context, the current waterway dredging initiative in Valenzuela and Bulacan serves as both a practical and symbolic first step—addressing urgent blockages while laying the groundwork for more comprehensive water management strategies.
Secretary Dizon reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making these operations a continuous effort, not just a seasonal response. “Our goal is to make flooding a thing of the past, and that requires consistency, collaboration, and the political will to get the job done,” he stated.
Conclusion
The continuous dredging of creeks and waterways in Valenzuela City and Bulacan reflects the Philippine government’s determination to tackle flooding at its source. Backed by President Marcos’ directive, and supported by both local leaders and the private sector, these efforts not only safeguard communities but also protect vital infrastructure like NLEX from costly disruptions.
With regular waterway dredging, reinforced banks, and a commitment to public cooperation, authorities are confident that the region can significantly reduce the risk of flooding. As the rainy season continues, the success of these measures will be closely watched—not just by residents of Valenzuela and Bulacan, but by other flood-prone areas across the country that may soon adopt similar strategies.