It’s encouraging to hear that large companies like San Miguel Corp., under the leadership of Ramon Ang, are willing to help for free in clearing clogged rivers and canals in Metro Manila. President Bongbong Marcos himself is open to such support from the private sector — and rightly so. If the private sector has the means and resources, it can greatly ease the burden on the public. Add to that the proposal of Senator Ping Lacson to encourage the country’s wealthiest families to use their CSR (corporate social responsibility) funds for flood control, and the effort looks even more promising.
But here’s the big but — no matter how clean and well-designed the government and private sector projects are, they will end up useless if the people themselves lack discipline. This is not just about “big help” from the top; it’s even more about the “small but consistent” actions from each of us.
First, garbage. No matter how advanced a drainage system is, if we throw plastic into streets, rivers, and canals every day, flooding will keep coming back. Even something as simple as throwing candy wrappers in the proper trash bin makes a huge difference. If we practice waste segregation, even better. We can’t keep the mindset that “it’s the street sweeper’s job” — it’s everyone’s job.
Second, illegal settlers along rivers and flood canals. We know many families are forced to live in unsafe areas, but if the occupation of flood-prone zones continues, the problem only worsens. This is not only an issue of urban planning but also of community cooperation to relocate them to safer places.
Third, LGU enforcement. Even with Ramon Ang’s plan and the cooperation of the country’s wealthiest families, if the enforcement of laws on waste disposal, zoning, and illegal construction is weak, we’re just building sandcastles as the tide approaches.
In the end — yes, we need the private sector. Yes, the government must invest in long-term solutions. But above all, we need personal discipline and collective responsibility. We all have a role to play, big or small.
If we commit to doing the right thing every day — not littering, respecting zoning laws, and cooperating with the community — we will move closer to a Metro Manila that doesn’t drown with every heavy downpour.
Because in the fight against flooding, it’s not just them — we are the key.
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