The Metro Manila Council (MMC), composed of the 17 mayors of Metro Manila, together with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes, expressed full support for President Marcos Jr.'s “Oplan Kontra Baha,” which aims to reduce flooding in Metro Manila by up to 60 percent through continuous dredging, desiltation, and clearing of major waterways.

MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Wednesday, Nov. 12, said that through the flood mitigation program, “Rivers, creeks, and other waterways will be dredged and cleaned as part of this collective and sustained effort for the benefit of all Metro Manila residents.”

“Through this whole-of-nation approach, in which the national government, local governments, and the private sector have united to address flooding in Metro Manila, we are confident that the situation will vastly improve,” Zamora added.

“Together, we remain steadfast in our shared commitment to building a safer, more resilient, and flood-free Metro Manila for all,” he continued.

The launch of the Greater Metro Manila Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations was held in Parañaque City on Wednesday. The President said the initiative was born out of studies showing that shallow spillways and accumulated garbage are the main causes of severe flooding.

Marcos particularly cited business leaders Manny Pangilinan of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation for volunteering manpower and heavy equipment to assist in the desilting and cleaning operations.

The President emphasized that the program’s success depends on the joint efforts of the national government, local government units, and the private sector.

“Hindi kaya ng national government lamang. Hindi kaya ng LGU lamang. Hindi kaya ng private sector lamang (The national government, LGUs, or the private sector alone cannot solve this),” he said.

On the other hand, Marcos said Oplan Kontra Baha is just one part of a long-term strategy to mitigate flooding in the country’s major cities.

“This is not an instant solution. We have to do many things,” Marcos said.

He added that future measures will include relocating faulty pumping stations, rehabilitating watersheds, and building upstream water impounding systems to control water flow during heavy rainfall.

“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 (Once most of this is completed, by the next rainy season we’ll already feel a big reduction in flooding),” the President said.