President Bongbong Marcos has officially launched Oplan Kontra Baha: Metro Cebu Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations, a large-scale initiative aimed at clearing clogged waterways across Cebu’s major cities.
Speaking at Mahiga Creek near M. Logarta Bridge in the cities of Mandaue and Cebu on Friday, November 21, the President said the government has begun dredging and cleaning vital water channels.
“Nandito ngayon tayo para simulan ‘yong dredging at saka paglinis ng ating mga creek, mga ilog, lahat ng ating waterway,” the President said.
He added that the effort mirrors earlier cleanup operations conducted in Metro Manila.
“Ito, kung maaalala ninyo, ay sinimulan namin sa Metro Manila. Doon naman ang nagiging problema ‘yong basura at ‘pag nagbabara, ang nangyayari, nagkakaroon talaga ng baha.”
Marcos emphasized that Cebu faces similar issues, with many waterways severely obstructed, leading to major floods in recent years.
“Kaya’t ganoon din ang gagawin namin dito dahil ganiyan din ang problema. Kung titingnan ninyo sa mapa, ‘yong last time na nagbaha ang mga ilog dahil lahat ng labasan ng tubig ay barado,” he explained.
The President also shared that local officials could no longer recall the last time the waterways and creeks were thoroughly cleared.
“Tinatanong ko sa mga local official kung kailan ang last time na hinukay ito, nilinis ito, wala silang maalala kahit kailan,” he said.
Highlighting the urgency of the operation, he added, “Kaya’t first time ito siguro in decade. I’m sure nangyari na ito [noon] but matagal na in decades na hindi nalinis ang ating mga waterway.”
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 7 is leading the clearing operations not only in Mahiga Creek but also in several critical areas across Cebu province, including Butuanon River and Subangdaku River in Mandaue City; Kinalumsan River, Mambaling Flyover, and Guadalupe River in Cebu City; Mananga River in Talisay City; Cotcot River in Liloan; and Cansaga Bridge in Consolacion.
The government hopes the initiative will significantly reduce flooding and improve water flow throughout Metro Cebu.