Mayor calls for citywide drainage clearing program

Mayor Benjamin Magalong is pushing for a citywide clearing of the drainage system several days before a typhoon hits  weeks after the Summer Capital experienced several flooding incidents caused by typhoon ‘Maring’.

The Mayor gave the order during the regular management committee meeting of local officials, October 19, at Baguio Convention Center.

He directed the City Engineering Office (CEO) head Engr. Edgar Victorio Olpindo to spearhead the program and to mobilize those  in the barangays and private sector organizations to get involved in the clearing operations.

Olpindo said that his office has already been engaging in the clearing of the city’s drainage system even during ordinary days but agreed that those in the barangays and private sector should be encouraged to pitch in.

“The government cannot do it alone.  The entire community should help in the regular clearing of our drainage system from garbage and other debris especially before a typhoon strikes.  We should all embody the ‘bayanihan’ spirit for the good of our community,” the Mayor said.

For his part, City Administrator Engr. Bonifacio Dela Pena is reminding all those conducting construction activities in the city to secure their materials days before a weather disturbance occurs so that these will not contribute in the clogging of drainages.

During the aftermath of typhoon ‘Maring’, he said that an inspection was conducted were it was found that several drainages were clogged with sand and other construction materials other than the usual garbage including face masks and face shields. — Gaby B. Keith