By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday reiterated that flooding could be reduced by up to 60% with the sustained implementation of the “Oplan Kontra Baha” waterways clearing and cleaning operations across the country.
The President made the statement as he inspected the massive cleanup efforts at Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 2, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
The operations involve dredging, declogging, clearing, and maintaining Bacolod City’s priority waterways and drainage systems, including Banago Creek, Mandalagan River, Maupay Creek, Lupit River, Magsungay River, Tangub Creek, Pahanocoy Creek, and Sum-ag River.
“Kapag nalinis natin lahat ng mga ilog, lahat ng mga creek, lahat ng mga estero, matanggal lang natin ‘yung basura at makapag-dredge tayo, ang estimate ng ating mga scientists ay sabi nila mababawasan ang baha by 50 to 60 percent at least,” Marcos said.
“Kaya napaka-importante itong programang ito. Kaya dinadala natin sa iba’t ibang lungsod around the country kung saan nakikita natin talagang nagkakabaha,” he added.
Oplan Kontra Baha was first launched in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu last Nov. 12 and 21, respectively, bringing together national government agencies, local government units, and private sector partners to address perennial flooding caused by heavy siltation, waste blockage, and obstructive structures along waterways and drainage systems.
“Layunin nito na mabawasan ang mga naipong putik, buhangin, at basura sa mga ilog, estero, at kanal upang maibalik ang kapasidad na magdadala ng tubig,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.
“Makakatulong din ito upang mabawasan sa mga lugar ang pagbabaha at mapabilis ang pagbaba ng tubig sa mga naapektuhang lugar,” she added.
The waterways clearing and cleaning operations will run until June 2026, thereby ensuring continuous water flow, reducing flood risk, and enhancing community safety—in line with the administration’s efforts to improve urban disaster preparedness and promote a cleaner environment.
-jpv
