In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo jointly inspected dredging, waste-clearing, and desilting operations at Sagop Creek and other waterways in Naga City, Camarines Sur, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The visit, focused on the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB) program, aimed to address chronic flooding in the Bicol River Basin, with both leaders stressing that public service, not politics, was the priority.
Political Neutrality Emphasized Amid 2028 Speculation
When questioned about potential political alliances for the 2028 national elections, President Marcos downplayed any political motives, stating, "We are not discussing that. I think the mayor (Robredo) will agree with me that service comes before politics." In a lighthearted remark, he added, "The most political thing that we did today, I wore my pink socks. My pink socks in honor of Mayor Leni," referencing the campaign color from Robredo's 2022 presidential bid.
Mayor Robredo, who has served less than a year in office, noted that the visit had been planned months in advance and affirmed, "We still have much to do." This inspection occurred just days after Vice President Sara Duterte declared her intention to run for president in 2028, adding a layer of political context to the event.
Addressing Flooding and Climate Change Impacts
During the inspection, President Marcos highlighted severe siltation—the accumulation of mud and sand—which has reduced waterway capacity and exacerbated flooding in areas like Barangay Triangulo and Sitio Magaya-gaya Creek. He pointed to environmental changes and the growing effects of climate change as key factors, stating, "Bicol is always the pathway of the storms. The immediate problem that we saw... is the intensity of rainfall, which was not as heavy before."
Robredo observed that some previously unaffected areas are now experiencing flooding, underscoring the urgency of the OKB initiative. The President emphasized the government's determination to tackle the issue but acknowledged that a comprehensive, long-term approach is necessary. "This is a big job. It will take time, but we have many interventions we can implement... This is only the beginning," he said.
Details of the Oplan Kontra Baha Program
The OKB operations in Naga City, which began on February 18, 2026, are scheduled for completion by July 31, 2026. This extensive project covers 29 creeks and two lakes, managing a total water volume of 26,621,370.51 cubic meters. It also includes cleaning and clearing the city's drainage system spanning 250.51 kilometers, with an expected removal of 75,152.19 cubic meters of silt and deposits.
To support these efforts, the DPWH and local government have deployed 27 dredging units, 30 dump trucks, and 1,525 personnel equipped with protective gear, ensuring efficient and safe execution of the flood control measures.
Funding for Infrastructure and Community Support
In addition to the flood control inspection, President Marcos formally handed over a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) worth P500 million for the rehabilitation and retrofitting of the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum (JMRC), named after the late husband of Mayor Robredo. This funding will strengthen and modernize the coliseum, including the installation of a community kitchen capable of feeding thousands during disasters, improvements to sanitation facilities, roof upgrades, and structural reinforcements.
The project also encompasses enhancements to the drainage system to prevent flooding and the addition of medical response areas for emergencies, further bolstering Naga City's resilience against natural calamities.
