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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH steps up fast, low-cost flood measures under expanded 'Oplan Kontra Baha'

DPWH steps up fast, low-cost flood measures under expanded 'Oplan Kontra Baha'

Published Feb 6, 2026 01:00 pm

At A Glance

  • DPWH ramps up flood-control operations nationwide under expanded Oplan Kontra Baha.
  • Activities include clearing waterways, widening rivers, building retention ponds, and reactivating cut-off channels.
  • Program underway in three cities and set to expand to Naga, Tuguegarao, and Cotabato.
  • Equipment support from government and private partners accelerates operations.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince B. Dizon (Photo from DPWH)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince B. Dizon (Photo from DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has intensified flood-control operations in vulnerable waterways nationwide as a fast and low-cost move to reduce flooding ahead of the rainy season.
The efforts are part of the expanded anti-flooding strategy dubbed as "Oplan Kontra Baha" in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen flood-mitigation measures and ensure government readiness as heavy rains approach.
Speaking at the Oplan Kontra Baha Summit, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the government is focusing on solutions that can be implemented immediately without waiting for costly infrastructure projects.
This approach allows the agency to act quickly and deliver results without relying on billion-peso projects.
In addition to clearing operations, the DPWH is widening rivers, constructing retention ponds, and reactivating cut-off channels to improve water flow in flood-prone areas.
Dizon also thanked government and private partners for providing equipment that has accelerated the program’s implementation.
He warned against complacency, stressing that flood-mitigation efforts must continue.
Oplan Kontra Baha is already underway in three cities and will soon be launched in Naga, Tuguegarao, and Cotabato, particularly within the Rio Grande River Basin.
“We have to act quickly, the rainy season is in five months, and we cannot allow the time to pass without doing anything,” Dizon said.

Related Tags

Oplan Kontra Baha DPWH flood control disaster preparedness
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