BACOLOD City — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in collaboration with the local government unit (LGU), the office of the Lone Congressional District, and private sectors, launched Oplan Kontra Baha — literally “Operation Against Floods” — in Bacolod City on December 5.
The event was initially scheduled to be led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but his visit was postponed due to inclement weather caused by Tropical Depression “Wilma,” according to Cong. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
DPWH Undersecretary for Special Concerns Charles Calima Jr. led the launching, together with Mayor Greg Gasataya and Benitez. Also in attendance were officials from DPWH Negros Island Region, Bacolod Engineering District, members of the city council, several department heads, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel, barangay chairpersons, and other stakeholders.
The program aims to reduce recurring flooding in Bacolod by clearing waterways, desilting drains, and maintaining flood-control infrastructure.
The inaugural launch of Oplan Kontra Baha was held on November 12, 2025, at Balihatar Creek in Parañaque City, Metro Manila, led by the President in the clearing-and-cleaning operations.
According to Calima, the short-term operational plan for Bacolod targets the removal of obstructions in city waterways, with an estimated total volume of 30,785.69 cubic meters from national and local drainages. For the city’s nine rivers and creeks, the target is approximately 2,175,323.11 cubic meters.
DPWH highlighted key challenges in the city’s waterways, including clogged drainage systems, poor stormwater flow, silted waterways, blockages caused by infrastructure, and inadequate waste management. Proposed solutions include clearing all drainage blockages, regular dredging and cleaning of waterways, removal of illegal or unnecessary structures, and strict enforcement of waste management policies.
Benitez noted that his office, through the DOLE TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced) program, has deployed 3,000 “river warriors” to support the city government’s clearing and cleaning operations.
Gasataya appealed to the public to refrain from indiscriminate garbage disposal, emphasizing the community’s role in preventing floods.
Officials hope that sustained implementation of the program will reduce flooding risks in Bacolod. Heavy rains from Tropical Depression “Verbena” on November 25 affected 31 barangays, displacing 2,543 families—or about 8,375 individuals—and leaving 23 families homeless. Floodwaters as high as six feet inundated homes in Purok Mars, Barangay Singcang-Airport, trapping residents on rooftops who called for help as the storm caused widespread damage./PN
