President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday underscored the urgent need to clear clogged waterways in Naga City, describing the situation as “critical” amid increasingly severe weather disturbances affecting the Bicol Region.

In a media interview during his inspection of the government’s Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB) operations, the President said plans to review flood control efforts in Naga had been underway for months.

“Because talagang naging critical ito, especially with the storms that came in. We know that Bicol is always the pathway of the storms. The immediate problem that we saw is ‘yung bigat ng bagsak ng ulan. Dati hindi naman ganoon karami,” Marcos said.

The President noted that Naga City recorded approximately 700 millimeters of rainfall in a single day, a volume he said reflects the intensifying impact of climate-related weather events.

Accompanying the President during the inspection was Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, who said the rainfall exceeded levels recorded during past major typhoons such as Ondoy and Yolanda.

Marcos said his visit to Sagop Creek in Barangay Triangulo demonstrated the government’s commitment to long-term flood mitigation and disaster resilience, not only in the Bicol Region but across the country.

He also visited Sitio Magaya-gaya Creek in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña as part of the OKB inspection.

Local officials and residents welcomed the President’s visit and renewed push for sustained waterway rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Alvin Caquilala, Engineer II of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Equipment Management Division Region 5, said years of neglect had left Sagop Creek heavily clogged, worsening flooding in nearby communities.

“Matagal na hindi dinadaanan ng tubig kasi sobrang barado na. Ang naging problema lalo na noong Typhoon Kristine, malaki ang naging epekto. Matagal pong mag-subside ‘yung baha at talagang mataas ang level ng tubig. Weeks before nag-subside ang tubig,” Caquilala recalled.

He emphasized that coordination between the DPWH and local government units, initiated under the President’s directive, has been crucial in restoring water flow and reducing flood risks.

“Malaking tulong ang paglilinis ng creek na ito, hindi lang sa mga residente ng Naga kundi pati na rin sa mga nasa upland,” he added.

The cleanup of Sagop Creek, along with other waterway rehabilitation initiatives in Naga City, is expected to be completed by July 2026.

Officials expressed hope that sustained maintenance and inter-agency coordination will prevent a repeat of the prolonged flooding that has plagued the city in recent years.