In response to relentless rainfall across the country, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has intensified its nationwide flood mitigation and emergency clearing operations following direct instructions from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The Chief Executive directed the DPWH to ensure all flood control initiatives proceed without interruption, prioritizing the swift drainage and removal of floodwaters in critical low-lying and flood-prone communities.
In line with the President’s mandate, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon announced the immediate scaling up of Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB), the agency’s targeted flood management program. DPWH has deployed additional personnel, heavy machinery, and specialized equipment to accelerate critical operations, including:
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Continuous Dredging: Deepening major rivers and waterways to increase water-holding capacity.
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Emergency Declogging: Clearing drainage systems, culverts, and urban runoff channels choked by debris.
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Riverbank Clearing: Removing obstructions along key river basins to ensure unhindered water flow toward natural outlets.
Recognizing the widespread impact of continuous heavy rains, DPWH has mobilized dedicated field units across strategic corridors, with focused operations in:
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Luzon: Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Tarlac, and Naga City.
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Visayas: Metro Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod.
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Mindanao: Cagayan de Oro, Davao Region, and Maguindanao. “Our priority is clear: keep our waterways open and keep equipment moving,” said Secretary Dizon. “DPWH engineering districts are working around the clock to mitigate flooding, protect infrastructure, and minimize disruption to the lives of our citizens.”
The agency continues to coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) and disaster risk reduction management councils to monitor rising water levels and deploy emergency response teams wherever urgent intervention is required.
