President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. launched “Oplan Kontra Baha”, a program to reduce floods in Metro Manila by up to 60%. The plan includes continuous dredging, desilting, and cleaning of waterways.
Marcos said most floods are caused by shallow spillways and garbage blocking water flow. He explained that the project will run until mid-2026 and continue every year for maintenance.
He said teamwork is needed: “Hindi kaya ng national government lamang. Kailangan tulong-tulong tayo.” Business leaders Manny Pangilinan and Ramon Ang will help by providing workers and heavy machines.
The program will also expand to other flood-prone areas like Cebu, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, and Davao. Marcos reminded the public that this is not a quick fix, but part of a long-term plan to stop severe flooding.
He also ordered the DPWH to use dredging machines that have been unused since 2018 to speed up cleaning work.
