Las pi±as city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday announced that the government's Oplan Kontra Baha initiative is yielding positive outcomes, as evidenced by the reduction in flood levels due to ongoing dredging and cleanup operations. Despite these gains, he acknowledged that the effort is far from completion.

According to Philippines News Agency, during an inspection of flood-control efforts in Barangay Zapote, Las Pi±as City, Marcos observed that the impact of dredging is already evident in some regions. He noted that while flooding used to reach chest level, it currently only rises below the knees.

Marcos emphasized that the observed improvements do not signify the end of the government's work. He stated, "What we are doing is effective, but we know it is still insufficient. We still have a lot to do."

Launched in November last year, Oplan Kontra Baha is a multi-sectoral campaign targeting the clearance of clogged and polluted waterways and drainages in and around Metro Manila. This initiative aims to mitigate flash floods during heavy rains by covering a total of 142.4 kilometers of rivers, creeks, and esteros, along with 333.15 kilometers of drainage systems throughout Metro Manila.

Marcos pointed out the necessity for continued dredging, attributing the shallowness of rivers and spillways to a 12-year moratorium on such activities. He instructed Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to reassess the long-delayed Las Pi±as spillway project, which is expected to serve as an important outlet for floodwaters.

Furthermore, Marcos indicated that dredging operations would persist with the involvement of local government units as part of the administration's intensified measures to address flooding. "We will continue what we are doing because the work is not yet finished. We still have a lot to do, but what we started this year appears to be effective," Marcos remarked.