By Brian Campued
The national government stands ready to support and help local government units (LGUs) address the needs of their constituents and communities, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Saturday.
The President made the assurance in a media interview during the inspection of the “Oplan Kontra Baha” operations at Sagop Creek in Barangay Triangulo, Naga City.
“Kung sino ang nangangailangan ng tulong, the national government is here to help,” Marcos Jr. said, adding that he, himself, served in the local government.
“I came from local government. Kaya, I have great sympathy for the situations of local government, the different cities, the provinces, the towns, the municipalities. Kaya whoever comes to us for help, we will do what we can to help.”
The Chief Executive underscored the administration’s commitment to finding long-term solutions to the perennial issue of flooding in the country, noting that the dredging and cleanup activities along waterways will continue nationwide.
Led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Oplan Kontra Baha aims to reduce flooding through interventions, such as declogging, removing illegal obstructions, dredging, and desiltation.
The DPWH is likewise working on rehabilitating pumping stations, maintaining flood control structures, and mobilizing necessary equipment and personnel in flood-prone areas.
“Malaking trabaho ito. It will take time but marami na tayong mga intervention na puwedeng gawin…This is only the beginning,” Marcos Jr. emphasized.
“This is not going to be one-time. We will keep doing this until we have the more long-term solution,” Marcos Jr. emphasized.
Naga City was selected as a pilot area for Oplan Kontra Baha due to its high susceptibility to flooding within the Bicol River Basin.
The onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in 2024, for instance, triggered widespread flooding across the city and nearby towns, highlighting the need for focused and sustained flood mitigation efforts in the area.
The cleanup drive in Naga City is expected to be completed on July 31, covering 29 rivers and creeks, two lakes, and drainage systems.
Support for modernized infrastructure
Apart from Sagop Creek, the President also visited Sitio Magaya-gaya Creek in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña and the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, which serves as a critical evacuation and relief center during emergencies.
He personally handed over to former vice president and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) worth P500 million for the facility’s retrofitting and renovation.
The budget will also be used to establish a community kitchen at the coliseum capable of providing meals to displaced residents during calamities.
Aside from Robredo, the President was accompanied by DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Sec. Jose Ramon Aliling.
-jpv
