President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday officially launched the nationwide waterways clearing and cleaning operations in Bacolod City to mitigate flooding in the area during heavy rains.

In launching Oplan Kontra Baha, President Marcos inspected the ongoing clearing operations at Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 2, Bacolod City.

Simultaneous clearing operations were held in Banago Creek, Maupay Creek, Lupit River, Magsungay River, Tangub Creek, Pahanocoy Creek, Sum-ag River, Circumferential Road, and Mandalagan River.

President Marcos said based on scientific estimates, restoring the full water carrying capacity of waterways and drainage systems could reduce flooding by around 60 percent.

“Ito ganoon din ang estimate na 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,” President Marcos said in his remarks.

“Kaya napaka-importante itong programang ito. Kaya dinadala natin sa iba’t ibang lungsod around the country kung saan nakikita natin talagang nagkakabaha,” the President added.

President Marcos launched Oplan Kontra Baha in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu last November 12 and 21, respectively.

Oplan Kontra Baha involves declogging of drainage systems; dredging and cleaning of rivers, creeks and esteros; clearing obstructions and managing waste disposal.

In Bacolod City, the Oplan Kontra Baha program targets to clean up nine priority waterways and drainage systems or almost 170 kilometers of rivers, creeks, and esteros, and 138 kilometers of drainage systems.

Oplan Kontra Baha brings together national agencies, local governments, and private partners to address flooding issues caused by heavy siltation, waste blockage, and encroachment of obstructive structures along waterways and drainage systems.

The waterways clearing and cleaning operations will run until June 2026. | PND