By Kenneth Marcos 
As the morning sun rose over Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo in Makati City, dozens of volunteers, local officials, and government workers rolled up their sleeves and began hauling out sack after sack of garbage from the murky waters of San Jose Creek.
This massive cleanup effort, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Metropolitan Environmental Office (MEO)–West and South, together with the Makati City Department of Environmental Services and Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo officials, aimed to raise public awareness and strengthen community participation in protecting the environment.
More than 200 sacks of mixed waste were collected from the creek—ranging from plastic bags, styrofoam containers, wood scraps, and other discarded materials. These kinds of waste, often carelessly thrown into waterways, are known to cause serious problems like flooding, water pollution, and the spread of diseases.
The San Jose Creek cleanup is part of the broader effort of the DENR-National Capital Region to rehabilitate Metro Manila’s waterways. By involving local communities, barangay leaders, and dedicated groups like the Estero Rangers, the initiative promotes shared responsibility in addressing long-standing environmental challenges.
According to the DENR, clogged esteros and rivers remain a major issue in the metropolis. Improper waste disposal continues to be one of the biggest contributors to flooding, especially during the rainy season. Dirty waterways also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and bacteria, which pose health risks to nearby communities.
“We are not just cleaning a creek. We are showing that when government agencies and citizens work together, we can make a real difference,” said a representative from DENR-MEO during the activity.
The agency also emphasized the importance of continuing environmental education and active community involvement. Simple actions, such as proper waste segregation at home and joining local cleanup drives, contribute significantly to long-term change.
Efforts like the San Jose Creek cleanup are tied to the national campaign for cleaner and healthier urban spaces. These drives are expected to continue in various parts of Metro Manila, especially in heavily polluted waterways.
DENR-NCR continues to call on all residents to become stewards of the environment by participating in community-led cleanup activities and adopting eco-friendly practices in daily life.
“Malaking bagay po ang bawat maliit na tulong,” said one volunteer. “Kung lahat tayo ay kikilos, mas magiging maganda at ligtas ang ating kapaligiran.”
By uniting for a cleaner creek today, the people of Makati are also helping secure a better and healthier environment for the next generation.
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