Local government units (LGUs) should pick up the pace in the cleanup of communities devastated by storm “Ondoy” after they failed to meet the 72-hour deadline imposed by President Arroyo, Malacañang said.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the local executives are the primary government agents to collect the debris, garbage, and mud that have accumulated in their respective areas, with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) only providing support.

“The President reminded the local executives of Metro Manila through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) that it is their responsibility to undertake the initial cleanup of their places,” Ermita told reporters in the Palace last Wednesday.

Apart from the MMDA, Ermita said the Department of Public Works and Highways would also assist the local executives in the cleanup operations, including cleaning of clogged waterways and drainage systems.

“But I will repeat: The local government executives are the first line of defense or the first line agencies that should look into the cleanup of their respective places,” he added.

Last Saturday, the President ordered the MMDA and the concerned LGUs to clean up the calamity areas within 72 hours. Local government units should also seek help from private contractors to collect the garbage, according to the President.

The deadline, however, expired last Monday with piles of garbage still reeking in the streets. MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando recently said the garbage collection and cleanup of communities will take two months to finish.