MALOLOS CITY — Residents of MacArthur Village in Barangay Longos here have taken upon themselves to remove tons of water hyacinths from a creek in an effort to reduce flooding in their community.
Apulid Creek, which runs between the said barangay and Barangay Pio Cruzcosa in Calumpit have been clogged with the invasive aquatic plant choking the flow of water.
Jeffrey Sarmiento, a former homeowners’ association officer who is overseeing the cleanup, said the group has already removed two truckloads, or about two tons, of water hyacinths. He estimated that as much as 15 more tons may still need to be cleared from the creek.
The homeowners’ association said it decided to organize the cleanup to help address chest-deep flooding in the subdivision.
Sarmiento said the cleanup should ideally be the government’s responsibility, but residents have been doing it themselves every year.
He added that the flooding is caused by heavy rains and high tides, and has been a recurring problem for the community for the past 16 years. He said they hope the government will finally take clear action to address the issue.
