Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the launch of Oplan Kontra Baha: Greater Metro Manila Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations in Balihatar Creek, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.
As part of the government’s whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach to disaster mitigation and resilient urban management aimed at reducing flooding in Metro Manila and other urban areas in the country.
According to President Bong Bong Marcos, floods can be reduced by up to 60% if the government’s “Oplan Kontra Baha” program is consistently implemented.
Its goal is to regularly remove debris and garbage from waterways and drainage systems that cause flooding.
The President also cited faulty and unused pumping stations that were built but never used, which are causing flooding in low-lying areas.
The agency also assured that the pumping stations will continue to function properly and efficiently to reduce flooding in low-lying areas and protect thousands of Filipino families during typhoons.
The project covers 142.4 kilometers of rivers, streams, and estuaries, as well as 333.15 kilometers of drainage systems throughout Metro Manila.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), local government units (LGUs), and private sector partners are collaborating in the launch of the program.
Meanwhile, the same activity was simultaneously launched in Caingin, Valenzuela City; Sunog Apog in Tondo, Manila; San Juan River in San Juan City; and Las Piñas City to keep waterways clean and functional throughout the National Capital Region (NCR).
‘Oplan Kontra Baha’ will also be implemented in other flood-prone areas nationwide, including Cebu, Bacolod, Roxas City, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Pangasinan, Cotabato, Davao and Cagayan de Oro, among others.—Grachella Corazon, Eurotv News