Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday described the massive buildup of garbage in an open canal in Baclaran, Paranaque City, as a “garbage crisis,” saying the problem has gone beyond Metro Manila.

According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, Dizon said nearly a kilometer of the open channel had been filled with garbage following heavy rains.

The public works chief said the situation should be considered a “nationwide crisis,” noting that the trash was not coming only from Metro Manila but also from nearby provinces such as Cavite, Bataan and Batangas.

“All over, hindi na yan Metro Manila lang,” Dizon said.

Dizon said authorities are targeting to remove the garbage from the affected area by the end of the week, with about 100 truckloads expected to be hauled away.

He also stressed the need for an overall master plan to address the country’s persistent garbage problem, saying the buildup in Baclaran underscored the need for a long-term solution.

“Ang sabi sa akin ng Parañaque City government, first time ito nangyari,” Dizon said. “So, pinapakita rin talaga na, ang grabe na talaga ang sitwasyon ng basura natin.”

The garbage will be transported to authorized landfills operated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the local government of San Mateo, Rizal, according to Dizon.