MANILA, Aug. 2 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday launched the drainage clean-up drive in Metro Manila to de-clog heavily silted waterways that cause the perennial flooding in the country's metropolis during the rainy season.

The initiative, dubbed as "Bayanihan sa Estero" Program, targets the completion of clean-up activities on 23 identified esteros that have been prioritized for immediate intervention due to significant siltation, heavy accumulation of solid waste, poor flow conditions, and their susceptibility to recurrent flooding.

The areas were also selected on the basis of their impact on surrounding communities and proximity to flood-prone zones.

During the program launch at the Buli Creek in Pasig City, Marcos s...