Service Over Politics: Flood Control Efforts Take Priority in Naga City

Plain work, no politics—that was the guiding tone as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Naga City  to inspect ongoing flood control efforts under the national government’s Oplan Kontra Baha program.

The visit emphasized a straightforward message: public service over politics. “Trabaho lang,” the President said, stressing that governance should prioritize immediate needs rather than partisan concerns.

He added that discussions   with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo during the inspection remained focused on solutions. According to him, both national and local leaders shared the same goal—delivering effective service to flood-affected communities.

The inspection took place at Sagop Creek in Barangay Triangulo. Present were Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Mayor Leni Robredo, alongside other local officials.

Oplan Kontra Baha centers on practical interventions. These include canal declogging, dredging waterways, removing obstructions, and rehabilitating pumping stations in flood-prone areas.

In Naga City, efforts are concentrated on the 10-kilometer Sagop Creek. This waterway runs through several barangays and plays a crucial role in managing excess rainwater.

To lighten the mood, the President joked about wearing pink socks in honor of Mayor Robredo, referencing her campaign color in the 2022 elections.

Despite the humor, he underscored the seriousness of the situation. The visit had been planned months earlier due to the city’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall.

Naga lies within the Bicol River Basin, making it highly susceptible to flooding. Local officials have long identified key barangays as high-risk areas.

The urgency became clear during Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, when extreme rainfall caused widespread flooding across the city and nearby towns.

Following that disaster, the government initiated a review of flood management strategies, including enhancements to the Bicol River Basin Development Program.

Recent operations have removed thousands of cubic meters of silt and waste from waterways. Authorities aim to restore water flow and strengthen drainage systems, ensuring safer communities.