
Carlo Aguilar unveils comprehensive flood control plan for Las Piñas
ON the occasion of Earth Month, Las Piñas’ mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar presented a comprehensive plan to address the longstanding problem of flooding in Las Piñas – a concern identified as the most urgent issue among residents, according to a recent survey by Grassroots Analytics Philippines.
The survey indicated that flooding is closely linked to waste management practices. Residents pointed to improper waste disposal as a key factor contributing to the frequent inundation of streets and neighborhoods in the city.
To mitigate flooding across the city, Aguilar laid out a multi-pronged strategy that includes the repair, expansion, and modernization of Las Piñas’ existing drainage system. He said the dry summer months should be the perfect time to implement regular cleanup operations of rivers, creeks, and waterways to ensure unimpeded water flow.
“Unclogging our drainage is one part of the solution. But we also need to improve how we manage waste and ensure that our communities are involved in keeping our city clean and flood-free,” Aguilar pointed out.
A major feature of his proposal is the establishment of a more efficient and organized garbage collection system. Aguilar said that under his watch, the city would strengthen its fleet of garbage trucks, which are owned and operated by the local government, rather than relying on costly private contractors. This approach, he noted, would reduce expenses and improve service delivery.
Public education is also integral to Aguilar’s waste management strategy. He plans to launch a sustained campaign to promote proper waste disposal among residents. “Behavioural change is a vital aspect of waste disposal,” Aguilar emphasized. “Without changing the way people handle their trash, we cannot create an effective waste management system.”
Aguilar underscored the connection between environmental care and flood prevention. As part of his broader plan, he intends to initiate a large-scale tree-planting campaign and promote urban greening projects. In addition, he vowed to strictly enforce the city’s zoning regulations and prevent construction in flood-prone areas.
Aguilar and his running mate for Vice Mayor, Louie Bustamante, stressed that community engagement will be critical to the success of the flood control program.
“Bawat isa sa atin ay kailangang kumilos para wakasan ang problema ng pagbaha—mula sa maayos na pagtatapon ng basura hanggang sa pakikiisa sa mga programa ng lungsod,” Bustamante, who served as Las Piñas vice mayor and long-time councilor, stressed.
“ Sa Bagong Las Piñas ay mababawasan ang pagbaha dahil sama-sama tayong maglilinis at magmamalasakit sa ating kapaligiran,” Aguilar pointed out.
(Each of us in the city must take action to end the problem of flooding, from proper waste disposal to active participation in city programs. The problem of flooding in Las Piñas will be reduced if we clean up and care for our environment together, as one.)