President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spearheaded a massive initiative to tackle Cebu’s persistent flooding problem, launching the “Oplan Kontra Baha: Metro Cebu Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations” on Friday.
The coordinated program, which involves national government agencies, local government units, and private sector partners, officially commenced at Mahiga Creek, situated near the M. Logarta Bridge between Mandaue and Cebu cities. The operation is a continuation of similar efforts initially implemented in Greater Metro Manila.
The primary goal of the initiative is to clear garbage, silt, and debris that have clogged the province’s rivers, creeks, and drainage systems, which Marcos identified as the root cause of severe flooding. The president expressed concern, stating that local officials could not recall the last time the waterways were dredged or cleaned.
“This is probably the first time in decades… that our waterways, where the water passes, were cleaned,” Marcos said, emphasizing the long-overdue nature of the project.
The president assured that the flood mitigation activities, which include dredging, waste removal, and the demolition of illegal structures along the waterways, will continue over the next nine months. He expressed confidence that flooding in the province would be significantly reduced within a year, before the next rainy season begins.
The clearing operations are being conducted simultaneously across several major waterways, including the Butuanon River and Subangdaku River in Mandaue City; the Guadalupe River, Kinalumsan River, and the Mambaling Flyover area in Cebu City; Mananga River in Talisay City; Cotcot River in Liloan; and Cansaga Bridge in Consolacion town. Mahiga Creek, where the launch took place, is part of the crucial nearly 12-kilometer Subangdaku–Mahiga River system.