By Kenneth Marcos 
Early in the morning, residents living near Estero de Valencia in Manila stepped outside to see government personnel measuring the narrow banks of the waterway. For many families, the estero is a daily sight. But during heavy rains, it can quickly overflow and flood nearby homes.
On March 3, 2026, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Metropolitan Environmental Office–West Cluster 3 conducted an ocular inspection along Estero de Valencia in Barangays 421 and 422, City of Manila. The inspection is part of the stricter enforcement of the three-meter legal easement along waterways to prevent obstructions and reduce flooding.
The three-meter easement rule requires a clear space along riverbanks, esteros, and other waterways. This space must remain free of structures and blockages to allow proper water flow, maintenance, and emergency access. Authorities said this measure is important in a densely populated city like Manila, where drainage systems are already under pressure.
During the inspection, officials identified various items placed within the easement area. These included washing machines, bicycles, tarpaulins, wooden materials, and chicken cages. While these items may seem ordinary household belongings, authorities warned that they can contribute to trash buildup and block water flow, especially during strong rains.
The inspection team coordinated with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Engineering and Public Works, the Department of Environment and Public Services, and barangay officials from Barangays 421 and 422. The joint effort aims to ensure proper verification of affected areas and smooth implementation of upcoming clearing operations.
Residents were advised to voluntarily remove and relocate any belongings within the three-meter easement ahead of the scheduled clearing operation on March 3, 2026. Officials stressed that early compliance will help avoid conflict and ensure a safer and more organized process.
Flooding remains a recurring problem in many parts of Manila, especially during the rainy season. Blocked esteros and clogged drainage systems often worsen the situation. According to environmental authorities, even small obstructions can slow down water flow, causing it to rise quickly during heavy downpours.
The DENR MEO–West emphasized that community cooperation is key. The agency said clearing operations are not meant to punish residents but to protect lives and property. Maintaining clean and open waterways helps reduce flood risks and improve overall sanitation in urban areas.
Environmental experts have long warned that encroachments along waterways reduce their natural capacity to carry water. In a city surrounded by rivers and esteros, protecting these spaces is considered essential for disaster risk reduction.
As Manila continues to face challenges from climate change and stronger weather disturbances, strict enforcement of environmental regulations becomes more urgent. Authorities hope that by working together with local communities, waterways like Estero de Valencia can remain clear and functional.
Keeping esteros free from obstructions is not just a government responsibility. It is a shared duty between authorities and residents to ensure safer neighborhoods, especially during the rainy months.
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