• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The nationwide Oplan Kontra Baha campaign, which was launched in Bacolod City on Friday (Dec. 12), is being targeted to last until June next year.
The operations involve declogging of drainage systems; dredging and cleaning of rivers, creeks and esteros; clearing obstructions; and managing waste disposal.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who led the inspection of the ongoing waterways clearing and cleaning operations at Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 2, said that based on scientific estimates, restoring the full water carrying capacity of waterways and drainage systems could reduce flooding by around 60 percent.
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.
Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said that 3,000 more “river warriors” under the Department of Labor and Employment Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program will be mobilized next year for the clean-up and clearing operations.
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.
As of last week, Benitez said 21 percent of the city’s declogging and dredging targets have been completed.
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.
“While Oplan Kontra Baha addresses the immediate need to reset our waterways, it is only one part of the broader, long-term strategy we are building for Bacolod,” Benitez said. “We remain dedicated to developing a comprehensive flood mitigation masterplan that will protect our communities.”
Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon and Mayor Greg Gasataya joined Marcos and Benitez during the inspection at Mambuloc Creek. | GB
