President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday launched “Oplan Kontra Baha,” a large-scale cleanup drive targeting Metro Manila’s waterways following the devastation caused by two successive typhoons.
The campaign, which unites national and local government units with private partners San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), aims to clear garbage, silt, and debris from creeks and drainage systems to reduce chronic flooding.
Marcos said the initiative’s initial phase will last nine months before becoming part of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) annual maintenance program.
“Hindi natin pwedeng tigilan,” the President said during the launch at San Dionisio Creek in Parañaque City.
The operation covers 142 kilometers of rivers, creeks, and esteros, along with 333 kilometers of drainage networks in Metro Manila. Simultaneous cleanups were also launched in Valenzuela, Manila, San Juan, and Las Piñas.
Marcos added that the program will later expand to flood-prone areas in Cebu, Bacolod City, Roxas City, Bulacan, Pampanga, and other provinces.