Sofa, Refrigerator, and Other Trash Found Clogging Pumping Stations: MMDA

MMDA Chairman Don Artes led an inspection of the facility on July 22 as part of flood preparedness efforts amid ongoing rains triggered by the southwest monsoon or habagat. Tripa de Gallina is the biggest pumping station in Metro Manila, making it critical for keeping floodwaters at bay in surrounding areas. 

How did these large items get to the pumping station in the first place? The MMDA said they were likely dumped into canals or esteros. Because Metro Manila’s drainage system is narrow, large debris can block waterways long before reaching the pumps. When it does get through, it clogs the system, slows floodwater removal, and can even damage the equipment altogether.

“When plastics are sucked into the pump, they get coiled in the engine, resulting in overheating,” Artes said. “The efficiency of our pumping stations is really affected and could result in damaged equipment.” 

Between July 18 and 22, the MMDA reported collecting more than 600 metric tons of garbage—526.8 tons from pumping stations and 76.9 tons from flooded areas across the region. That’s the weight of roughly 100 elephants (!!!) pulled from places that are meant to prevent flooding. 

Widespread flooding across Metro Manila has pushed several cities to declare a state of calamity. As of July 23, Quezon City, Manila, Marikina, Malabon, and Las Piñas have activated emergency powers to speed up relief and recovery efforts amid days of relentless rain from Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon.

Also read: GUIDE: How to Use UP Noah to See Your Area's Flood Risk

“Our drainage system is antiquated, with more than 50 years of service,” Artes said. “To address these issues, we need a drainage master plan for Metro Manila that involves upgrading and expanding the existing drainage network, constructing new pumping stations, among others.” 

This latest inspection follows renewed scrutiny of flood control measures in Metro Manila, coming just a week after the MMDA flagged issues linked to the Dolomite Beach project. 

According to Artes, the artificial beachfront has effectively sealed off three key drainage outfalls—Padre Faura, Remedios, and Estero de San Antonio Abad—that previously released stormwater directly into Manila Bay. With these routes now blocked, floodwater is being rerouted to a sewage treatment plant that struggles to keep up during intense rainfall, leading to increased flooding in low-lying areas such as Taft Avenue and Ermita.