Marcos takes on flooding head-on with ‘Oplan Kontra Baha’

National

WILL flooding in Metro Manila and other parts of the country finally be solved?

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. launched Oplan Kontra Baha at Balihatar Creek in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque, a nationwide initiative aimed at clearing clogged waterways, reactivating dormant pumping stations, and reducing flood risks in low-lying communities.

Marcos explained that a large part of the flooding is caused by silted and shallow spillways, as well as trash piling up in waterways that prevents water from flowing freely. He stressed that addressing these issues is essential to keeping streets and neighborhoods dry during the rainy season.

The program will cover 142.4 kilometers of rivers, creeks, and esteros and 333.15 kilometers of drainage systems across Metro Manila, with funding incorporated into the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) maintenance and operational budgets. Implementation is scheduled to continue until July 2026.

Beyond Metro Manila, Oplan Kontra Baha will expand to other flood-prone areas nationwide, including Cebu, Bacolod, Roxas City, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Pangasinan, Cotabato, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

The initiative involves coordinated efforts from the DPWH, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), local mayors, and private sector partners. They will focus on dredging rivers, clearing illegal structures, removing obstructions along waterways, and implementing effective waste management.

Cleanup and desilting operations will be carried out regularly to prevent recurring blockages.(MyTVCebu)