Valenzuela city: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Valenzuela City government have initiated the cleanup of Kalabingkoho River, aiming to reduce flooding in the National Capital Region by clearing garbage and silt from the waterways.

According to Philippines News Agency, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III and Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian spearheaded the cleanup efforts in Barangay Malanday, supported by the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office. The project covers approximately a 2-kilometer stretch of the river and is a part of the MMDA's 'Bayanihan sa Estero (Bayanihan)' program, launched by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to improve water flow and mitigate flooding.

In an interview, Torre emphasized the MMDA's commitment to rehabilitating major waterways in Metro Manila. He mentioned that, under the guidance of Chairman Romando 'Don' Artes, the agency aims to rehabilitate 25 major esteros by 2026 to complete essential projects before the rainy season. He highlighted the importance of maintaining waterways for effective flood prevention.

Mayor Gatchalian underscored the significance of the Bayanihan program in Valenzuela City, particularly in areas adjacent to Meycauayan, Bulacan. He noted that rising water levels often obstruct the flow toward MacArthur Highway, significantly affecting communities along the Valenzuela-Meycauayan boundary.

The Bayanihan program is being continuously implemented across Metro Manila through partnerships with local government units. Gatchalian stated that collaborative efforts are focused on cleaning and maintaining the creek, ensuring that it is deepened and widened to prevent exceeding its capacity during heavy rainfall.