Cebu: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday spearheaded the waterways clearing and cleaning operations in Cebu to address the province's perennial flooding problem. Marcos launched the initiative, dubbed Oplan Kontra Baha: Metro Cebu Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations, at Mahiga Creek near the M. Logarta Bridge, which is located between the cities of Mandaue and Cebu.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program, initially implemented in Greater Metro Manila, is a coordinated effort among national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and private sector partners to remove garbage and debris from clogged rivers, creeks, and drainage systems. Marcos said the initiative would help address severe flooding in the province.
'At kung titignan ninyo sa mapa, yung last time na nagbaha ang mga ilog dahil lahat ng labasan ng tubig ay barado. Kaya't kailangan natin linisin ito. Tinatanong ko sa mga local official kung kailan ang last time na hinukay ito, lininis ito, wala silang maalala kahit kailan,' he said.
'Kaya't first time ito siguro in decades. I'm sure nangyayari na ito, but matagal na in decades na hindi nalinis ang ating mga waterway, kung saan nagdadaan ang tubig,' Marcos added.
Marcos said he was assured that flooding in the province would be reduced within a year following the launch of the flood mitigation measure. He added that flood mitigation activities would continue over the next nine months.
'Bago dadating ulit ang ulan, hopefully by that time hindi na tayo makakakita ng baha kagaya ng nakita natin noon. Dahil lahat ng nakaharang, lahat ng barado na labasan ng tubig, 'yun ang lilinisin at hindi na magbabara; may dadaanan na 'yung tubig palabas,' he said.
During the program, Marcos monitored the dredging, waste removal, and cleaning of waterways at Mahiga Creek, as well as the removal of illegal structures to restore natural water flow and reduce flooding risks. He also assessed the other side of the bridge to oversee additional dredging operations.
Mahiga Creek is part of the nearly 12-kilometer Subangdaku-Mahiga River system, a crucial waterway that runs across Cebu City's urban core and surrounding barangays. The river often overflows during heavy rains because of significant silt buildup and accumulated waste that block the waterways, especially around the Subangdaku Bridge.
The clearing and cleaning operations, organized by the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 7, were conducted simultaneously in several major waterways. These include Butuanon River and Subangdaku River in Mandaue City; Guadalupe River, Kinalumsan River, and the Mambaling Flyover area in Cebu City; Mananga River in Talisay City; Cotcot River in the municipality of Liloan; and Cansaga Bridge in Consolacion town.
