BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Albee Benitez formally launched Oplan Kontra Baha over-the-weekend, a comprehensive long-term clearing and cleaning initiative aimed at addressing the city’s recurring flooding problem.
The launch proceeded despite the canceled visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The President had been scheduled to arrive in Bacolod City for the Oplan Kontra Baha launch and an inspection of the Banago Port development project, but local media were notified Thursday afternoon that the visit was postponed.
Benitez clarified that although the event marked the formal launch, the initiative had technically begun five days earlier with the deployment of 3,000 River Warriors under the DOLE–TUPAD program.
These personnel have been conducting synchronized clearing, dredging and declogging operations in coordination with the Bacolod City government.
Benitez reported that 21 percent of the overall declogging and clearing targets have been completed.
The city aims to clear 30,785 cubic meters of drainage silt and debris; 116.734 kilometers of drainage along national roads; 21.537 kilometers of drainage along local roads; and remove 2,175,323 cubic meters of silt and debris from nine rivers and creeks spanning 169.447 kilometers.
The nine major waterways included in the operation are Banago Creek, Mandalagan River, Mambuloc Creek, Malapya Creek, Lupit River, Magsungay River, Tangub Creek, Pahanocoy Creek and Sum-ag River.
Benitez said clearing work will continue nonstop over the next four to six months, with teams already cleaning drainage systems and creeks accessible to the River Warriors.
More equipment will be added following discussions with local and national agencies.
With the first batch of River Warriors nearing the end of their deployment, Benitez said a second round of operations will be conducted for areas that may not be completed.
An additional 3,000 River Warriors will be deployed in January to help finish the remaining work and ensure that the targeted volume of waste is fully removed.
Benitez said most of the clogging in Bacolod’s waterways was caused by Typhoon Tino, which washed down large amounts of trash, wood and branches.
He said Typhoon Verbena worsened flooding because the debris formed major blockages.
Benitez said the Department of Public Works and Highways, which is spearheading Oplan Kontra Baha, identified several key challenges — clogged drainage, poor stormwater flow, siltation, reduced waterway capacity, infrastructure blockages, and poor waste management practices.
Proposed solutions include vacuum jet cleaning of drainage lines, regular dredging in key waterways, and the removal of illegal structures and other obstructions.
Benitez said the initiative will also push for stricter waste management and sewage treatment policies as long-term flood mitigation strategies are developed.
Private companies, experts and stakeholders are being asked to submit proposals for discussion during the 2nd Flood Mitigation Summit on Dec. 10.
DPWH Undersecretary Charles Calima, who attended the launch with Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, said President Marcos will still push through with his visit alongside DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon in the coming days.
“It will be more of presenting our accomplishment,” Calima said.
Gasataya expressed full support for the multi-agency effort, calling the program a crucial step toward addressing Bacolod’s long-standing flooding issues.
He also urged residents to cooperate in efforts to declog the city’s waterways.
“It needs the cooperation of everyone, if not it will just be a never-ending work,” Gasataya said.
He said the city began clearing and cleaning waterways in July and continued almost monthly afterward, removing tons of garbage and debris.
“We need the effort of everybody,” Gasataya said. (Dolly Yasa via dtg, photo by tdg)