Marcos launches big flood control program to cut floods by 60% in 2026

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday launched a multi-sectoral campaign to clear clogged and polluted waterways and drainages in and around Metro Manila to mitigate flash floods during heavy rains.

He led the launching of Oplan Kontra Baha: Greater Metro Manila Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations at Balihatar Creek in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

The campaign was simultaneously launched in Caingin Creek in Meycauayan City; Sunog Apog Pumping Station in Tondo, Manila; San Juan River in Quezon City; and Las Piñas River in Las Piñas City that are also undergoing cleanup.

Marcos said scientists have estimated that flash floods in Metro Manila may be reduced by up to 60 percent once waterways and drainage systems have been restored to their full water carrying capacity.

“I am very optimistic that once we get the majority of this done, maramdaman na kaagad natin na pagdating ulit ng tag-ulan next year, malaki na ‘yung mababawasan sa flooding,” the President said.

Marcos inspected the ongoing dredging and waste clearing activities at Balihatar Creek, while accompanied by national and local government officials and private sector partners.

Oplan Kontra Baha will be carried out from November 2025 to July 2026, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spearheading the multi-sectoral partnership among several national government agencies, local government units and major private corporations.

The clearing campaign covers the total of 142.4 kilometers of rivers, creeks and esteros, and 333.15 kilometers of drainage systems throughout Metro Manila aimed at minimizing flooding in low-lying areas during the typhoon season.

During the inspection, Marcos said siltation and waste buildup in waterways and drainage systems have greatly contributed to recurrent flash floods.

“We will continue to do this first part of the Oplan hanggang July of next year, mga nine months ito. Hindi namin titigilan,” the President said.

“Even after that nine months ay patuloy lang, regular na ang paglinis, pag-desiltation, paglinis ng basura, lahat ito ay patuloy nating gagawin. Hindi natin puwedeng tigilan dahil alam naman natin umiipon pa.”

Aside from the cleaning of waterways and declogging of drainage systems, Oplan Kontra Baha also involve management of pumping stations, including some that have been found to be obstructions.

Marcos said Oplan Kontra Baha will eventually be expanded to other areas that experience worsening flash floods, such as Cebu, Bacolod, Roxas City, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Pangasinan, Cotabato, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

“It’s the beginning of a very wide-ranging program to at least partially solve the problem of flooding especially in the urban areas, especially in Metro Manila and the other highly urbanized cities and provinces,” said the President. Presidential News Desk