Photo credit: DPWH

The government will not let up on flood control efforts until flooding is fully addressed, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon said, as operations continue in flood-prone areas nationwide.

Dizon said the government is pushing ahead with Oplan Kontra Baha, which focuses on the continuous cleaning, dredging, and desilting of rivers, canals, and waterways to reduce flooding—especially with the rainy season approaching.

The intensified drive follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen and expand the anti-flood program to ensure the country is better prepared for heavy rains.

“Before we implement any project, we make sure it really helps. There are many things we can do that don’t require billions of pesos,” Dizon said during the Oplan Kontra Baha Summit. “What we’re doing now under OKB mainly requires equipment, and it already makes a big difference.”

Beyond cleanup operations, Dizon said the government is also working on widening rivers, building retention ponds, and reactivating cut-off channels to help ease severe flooding in vulnerable communities.

The public works chief also thanked other government agencies and private partners for lending heavy equipment, which has helped speed up operations and expand the program’s reach.

Dizon stressed that the administration remains committed to the effort, saying flood control will continue until real and lasting solutions are in place.