Skip to content 
Scrolling through social media lately, I bet you’ve seen the photos – Manila knee-deep in floodwater, right? It’s a recurring nightmare every rainy season.
And amidst all the “Stay safe!” and “Sending prayers!” messages, I kept bumping into the word “estero.” You know, like “Estero de Pasig” or “Estero de San Miguel.”
Now, I don’t claim to be a geography whiz, but something about calling these waterways “esteros” didn’t sit right with me. It triggered a memory from my childhood days – grandpa pointing to a muddy stream and saying, “That’s an estero.” Back then, it looked a lot like a glorified canal to my young eyes.
Fast forward to today, and my inner skeptic is whispering, “Are we using ‘estero’ correctly?”
So, let’s dive in (figuratively, of course!) and unravel this watery mystery!
What Exactly is an “Estero?”
First things first, let’s define our terms. The word “estero” is actually Spanish. It directly translates to “estuary” in English.
What’s an estuary, you ask?
- Imagine a river meeting the sea. That’s basically an estuary!
- It’s where freshwater and saltwater mix, creating a unique ecosystem.
- Think mangroves, tidal flats, and a whole bunch of marine life thriving in brackish water.
Now, picture some of the famous “esteros” in Manila:
- Estero de Paco: Lined with houses, often filled with trash. Not exactly teeming with marine life, right?
- Estero de San Miguel: A concrete channel cutting through the city. Doesn’t quite scream “estuary,” does it?
The Case for Calling Manila Waterways “Canals”
Based on the actual definition of an estuary, it’s safe to say most of Manila’s waterways fall short. They lack the key characteristic of an estuary: the meeting point of freshwater and saltwater.
Instead, these waterways seem to fit the description of “canals” much better.
Think about it:
- Man-made waterways: Most “esteros” in Manila are man-made channels, built for drainage and transportation.
- Primarily freshwater: They primarily carry rainwater and sewage, with little to no saltwater influence.
- Often polluted: Sadly, many “esteros” are heavily polluted and lack the biodiversity of a true estuary.
Why does this matter? Well, using the right terminology helps us understand the true nature of these waterways and address the challenges they face.
The Historical Context: Why We Might Still Say “Estero”
Okay, so maybe calling them “esteros” isn’t entirely accurate from a purely scientific standpoint. But language is a funny thing, isn’t it? It evolves, adapts, and carries historical baggage.
Here’s where things get interesting. Back in the Spanish colonial period, some of Manila’s waterways might have actually been closer to estuaries.
- Seawalls and Land Reclamation: The coastline of Manila Bay has changed significantly over the centuries. Seawalls were built, and land was reclaimed, potentially altering the natural flow of rivers and their connection to the sea.
- Erosion and Sedimentation: Over time, erosion and sedimentation could have also played a role in changing the characteristics of these waterways.
So, it’s possible that the term “estero” was used more accurately in the past, reflecting a different environmental reality.
What’s the Verdict?
While “estero” might not be the most scientifically accurate term for many of Manila’s waterways today, it’s a term deeply ingrained in the city’s history and language.
Think of it this way:
- Technically speaking, “canal” is probably a more precise term.
- Culturally speaking, “estero” holds historical significance and is still widely understood.
Ultimately, what’s most important is that we move beyond labels and focus on the bigger picture.
The Real Issue: Protecting Our Waterways, Regardless of What We Call Them
Whether we call them “esteros” or “canals,” the real issue at hand is the deplorable state of many of Manila’s waterways. Pollution, garbage, and lack of proper infrastructure have turned them into eyesores and health hazards.
Instead of getting bogged down in semantics, let’s focus our energy on:
- Rehabilitation and clean-up efforts
- Raising awareness about responsible waste disposal
- Advocating for sustainable urban planning
After all, a clean and healthy waterway is a win-win for everyone, regardless of what we call it!
So, the next time you see a photo of a flooded “estero” on your feed, remember that it’s more than just a semantic debate. It’s a call to action for all of us to protect our city’s precious water resources.