THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is accelerating flood mitigation efforts nationwide as the rainy season sets in, emphasizing the need for faster drainage of floodwater in low-lying and flood-prone communities.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said on Wednesday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the DPWH to ensure that floodwaters recede quickly to minimize disruptions to residents, motorists and commuters affected by heavy rains and severe flooding.
“Central to the government’s strategy is the intensified implementation of Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB), a nationwide flood-control initiative aimed at reducing the impact of flooding in vulnerable areas,” added Dizon.
Under the OKB program, the DPWH is undertaking clearing and dredging operations to remove silt, debris, and other obstructions that impede the water flow.
The agency is also expanding and rehabilitating waterways, including drainage systems, canals, esteros and rivers, to improve water movement and prevent overflow during heavy rainfall.
According to Dizon, these measures are designed to ensure that major waterways remain free of blockages that can worsen flooding and threaten nearby communities.
“The government is prioritizing interventions in areas that regularly experience severe flooding, particularly during the rainy season and tropical weather disturbances,” he said.
Among the key focus areas are Metro Manila, where recurring floods have long affected transportation networks, businesses and residential communities.
The initiative also covers several provinces in Northern and Central Luzon, including Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Tarlac, which are often vulnerable to flooding from monsoon rains and typhoons.
In the Bicol Region, flood control activities are being intensified in Naga, another area frequently affected by heavy rainfall and overflowing waterways.
The program likewise extends to key urban centers in the Visayas and Mindanao, including Cebu City, Iloilo City, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Maguindanao, where flood risks remain a major concern.
