MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen and continue the Oplan Kontra Baha program in Metro Manila, emphasizing coordinated action between government agencies and private partners to address the perennial flooding that plagues the capital region.

The initiative was highlighted during the Oplan Kontra Baha Summit held on February 5, 2026, which gathered representatives from the DPWH-NCR, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as private stakeholders including San Miguel Corporation and NLEX Corporation. The summit served as a platform to present ongoing programs such as drainage cleaning, estero rehabilitation, and other waterway management efforts under the umbrella of Oplan Kontra Baha.

Since its launch on November 12, 2025, DPWH-NCR reported a 78.92% accomplishment in declogging drains—over 3,636 cubic meters cleared out of a target of 4,606.80 cubic meters across 48 sites. Desilting efforts have seen slower progress, with only 7.76% completed, amounting to 13,640 cubic meters out of a 175,582.66 cubic meters target in 31 locations.

To ensure scientific guidance, the DPWH consulted flood control experts Dr. Guillermo Q. Tabios III of UP’s Institute of Civil Engineering and Dr. Alfredo Mahar V. Lagmay of UP Resilience Institute/Project NOAH, who provided insights on improving flood resilience and long-term water management.

While Oplan Kontra Baha is a significant step toward mitigating Metro Manila’s flooding, the numbers reveal a persistent challenge: infrastructure cleanup and rehabilitation alone may not be enough if urban planning, waste management, and climate adaptation are not addressed in tandem. True flood resilience requires sustained funding, inter-agency coordination, and community involvement—beyond periodic clearing operations. As the government continues to expand the program nationwide under President Marcos Jr. and Secretary Vince Dizon, the public is left to ask: Can Oplan Kontra Baha deliver long-term relief, or will Metro Manila continue to fight the same floods year after year? (Larawan mula sa: DPWH NCR / Facebook)