BACOLOD City — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is tentatively scheduled to visit this city on December 5 to lead the launching of Oplan Kontra Baha, a major initiative aimed at addressing Bacolod’s persistent flooding problem.
Lone District’s Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez confirmed the tentative schedule on November 26 following a joint alignment meeting on the program held at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in partnership with the Bacolod City Government.
Among those present during the meeting were DPWH Undersecretary for Special Concerns Charles Calima, Benitez, Mayor Greg Gasataya, DPWH officials from the regional and district offices, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, barangay officials, and other stakeholders.
According to Benitez, the President was originally expected to visit this Friday, November 28, but the schedule was moved to December 5. He added that he will request if the President can come at an earlier date since the program is ready for implementation.
While the President’s visit is still being finalized, Benitez said that around 3,000 “river warriors” are set to conduct a cleanup operation today, November 27, as part of the program’s short-term interventions.
Oplan Kontra Baha was first launched on November 12, 2025, at the Balihatar Creek in Parañaque City, where the President led clearing and cleaning operations.
During the meeting, DPWH officials presented the major challenges affecting Bacolod’s waterways: clogged drainage systems and poor stormwater flow; silted waterways; infrastructure blockages; and poor waste management.
Proposed solutions include clearing all drainage blockages; regular dredging and cleaning of waterways; removal of illegal and unnecessary structures, debris, and waste along waterways; and strict implementation of efficient waste management policies.
Gasataya said the city government is committed to supporting the program, even if it means undertaking difficult measures such as clearing structures located in danger zones to help restore water flow.
The urgency of the program was underscored by the widespread flooding caused by Tropical Depression “Verbena” on November 25, which affected 31 barangays, displaced 2,543 families — or about 8,375 individuals — and left 23 families homeless.
Floodwaters as high as six feet swamped homes in Purok Mars, Barangay Singcang-Airport past 8 a.m., forcing residents to climb onto their rooftops as they called for rescue while the storm battered the city./PN
