Marcos and Robredo Unite for Naga City Flood Control Inspection
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo conducted a joint inspection of dredging, waste-clearing, and desilting operations at Sagop Creek and other waterways in Naga City on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The visit, captured in photos from the Presidential Communications Office, highlighted the government's efforts to address persistent flooding in the region.
Service Before Politics: Leaders Downplay Political Tensions
During the inspection, President Marcos emphasized that his visit to Naga City—the political stronghold of his former opponent, Mayor Robredo—was strictly for public service and devoid of political motives. "We are not discussing that. I think the mayor will agree with me that service comes before politics," Marcos stated when questioned about potential alliances for the 2028 national elections.
In a lighthearted gesture, Marcos noted, "The most political thing we did today was I wore my pink socks in honor of Mayor Leni." Pink became synonymous with Robredo's campaign during the 2022 Philippine presidential election.
For her part, Mayor Robredo clarified that the visit had been scheduled months in advance and stressed her focus on governance, having served less than a year as mayor. "We still have a lot of things to do," she remarked, underscoring her commitment to local development.
Addressing the Bicol River Basin Flood Crisis
The inspection targeted key sites, including Sagop Creek in Barangay Triangulo and Sitio Magaya-gaya Creek in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña, as part of the Department of Public Works and Highways' Oplan Kontra Baha program. This initiative aims to mitigate flooding along the Bicol River Basin through comprehensive cleanup efforts.
President Marcos explained the root causes of the flooding, citing heavy siltation that has reduced river depth and capacity, exacerbated by environmental changes and climate impacts. "These are the beginnings of the perennial flood problem here in Naga and along the Bicol River. Constructions have altered water pathways, worsening the situation," he said.
Robredo added that areas previously unaffected by flooding are now experiencing issues, highlighting the urgency of the project. Marcos acknowledged the challenge as a "big task" requiring a long-term approach but assured that multiple interventions are underway.
Oplan Kontra Baha: Scope and Timeline
The Oplan Kontra Baha operations in Naga City, launched on February 18, 2026, are set for completion by July 31, 2026. The project encompasses:
- 29 rivers and creeks, plus two lakes, with a total water volume of 26,621,370.51 cubic meters.
- Cleaning of 250.51 kilometers of drainage systems, removing 75,152.19 cubic meters of sediment.
- Deployment of 27 dredging units, 30 dump trucks, and 1,525 personnel equipped with protective gear.
Marcos linked the increased flooding to climate change, noting, "Bicol is always in the path of storms, and rainfall intensity has grown heavier over time."
Funding for Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum Renovation
During his visit, President Marcos also handed over a Special Allotment Release Order worth P500 million for the retrofitting and modernization of the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, named after the mayor's late husband. The funding will support:
- Installation of a community kitchen to feed thousands during disasters.
- Upgrades to sanitation facilities, roofing systems, and structural integrity.
- Enhancements to the drainage system to prevent flooding.
- Addition of dedicated medical response areas for emergencies.
Built in 2010 and known as the "Big Dome of the South," the coliseum can seat 12,000 people and host up to 15,000 for standing events. It serves as a venue for basketball games, concerts, and cultural gatherings, and has functioned as a critical evacuation center during calamities.
The visit occurred shortly after Vice President Sara Duterte announced her presidential bid for 2028, adding a political backdrop to the event. However, both Marcos and Robredo maintained a focus on collaborative public service, setting aside past electoral rivalries for the benefit of Naga City residents.
