Naga city: Barangay officials and residents of Naga City thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his visit on Saturday and for personally inspecting the implementation of the Oplan Kontra Baha Program. Raymund Arevalo, Triangulo barangay chair, said the project would benefit his constituents during heavy rains as it would curb flooding.
According to Philippines News Agency, Arevalo expressed the significance of the President's visit, highlighting the positive impact of such projects on the community. He noted that whenever there is flooding during heavy rains, 2,500 families are affected in their barangay. Arevalo mentioned the improvements expected for Sagop Creek, which plays a crucial role in local water management.
Juan Francis Mendoza, barangay captain of Concepcion Peque±a, emphasized the importance of the President's visit as it signifies a solution to the persistent flooding issues in their area. He explained that the relocation of residents along the creek is a critical part of the program, aiming to mitigate future risks.
Minerva Baladia, a resident of Concepcion Peque±a, expressed her hopes for a flood-free future with the implementation of Oplan Kontra Baha. The program targets the 10-kilometer Sagop Creek, a major waterway monitored by the local government due to its vulnerability to flooding.
The creek's channel passes through five barangays: Del Rosario, Concepcion Grande, Concepcion Peque±a, Triangulo, and Tabuco. These areas are highly susceptible to flooding due to their proximity to the Bicol River Basin catchment. The severity of the situation was highlighted during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in 2024, when Naga City recorded 700 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, leading to widespread flooding across the city and nearby towns.