President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday officially launched the nationwide waterways clearing and cleaning initiative, Oplan Kontra Baha, in Bacolod City, aimed at reducing flooding caused by heavy rains.

The President inspected ongoing clearing operations at Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 2, Bacolod City, while simultaneous operations were conducted in other waterways, including Banago Creek, Maupay Creek, Lupit River, Magsungay River, Tangub Creek, Pahanocoy Creek, Sum-ag River, Circumferential Road, and Mandalagan River.

“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 (This is also the estimate that if we clean all the rivers, all the creeks, all the esteros, just remove the trash and dredge them, our scientists say that flooding could be reduced by at least 50 to 60 percent),” Marcos said, citing scientific studies on flood mitigation.

The program, previously launched in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu last November, involves declogging drainage systems, dredging rivers and creeks, clearing obstructions, and proper waste management.

In Bacolod City, Oplan Kontra Baha targets nine priority waterways and drainage systems, covering nearly 170 kilometers of rivers, creeks, and esteros and 138 kilometers of drainage systems.

The initiative is a collaborative effort among national agencies, local governments, and private partners to address flooding problems caused by siltation, waste blockage, and structural encroachments along waterways.

President Marcos said the program is crucial for other cities across the country prone to flooding.

“Kaya napaka-importante itong programang ito. Kaya dinadala natin sa iba't ibang lungsod around the country kung saan nakikita natin talagang nagkakabaha (That’s why this program is very important. That’s also why we are bringing it to different cities across the country where we see that flooding really occurs),” he added.

The ongoing waterways clearing and cleaning operations in Bacolod City will continue until June 2026.