NAGA CITY, Bicol — In a rare display of coordinated leadership, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Mayor Leni Robredo are set to conduct a hands-on inspection of Naga City’s flood control infrastructure this Saturday, February 21. The visit, described by the Naga City government as a working mission, highlights the ongoing “Oplan Kontra Baha,” a multi-agency effort to desilt waterways and rehabilitate drainage systems in flood-prone areas.

President Marcos is scheduled to begin his visit at the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, the city’s primary evacuation center, earmarked for major repairs following Tropical Storm Kristine. The move underscores a renewed national commitment to disaster resilience, reinforced by the recent attention of top government officials.

The inspection will also include Sagop Creek, where DPWH heavy equipment has been deployed to clear waterways. Cabinet officials such as Housing Secretary Jose Ramon “Ping” Aliling and DPWH Usec. Charles Calima will accompany the presidential convoy, signaling a strong inter-agency commitment to reducing flood risks.

Beyond immediate mitigation, the City Government is reviewing a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for a pilot stilt-style rental housing project in Barangay Lerma, designed specifically for flood-prone communities.

While the inspection demonstrates a proactive approach to disaster management, it also raises larger questions: Can sustainable flood resilience be achieved through coordinated national-local efforts alone, or does it require a broader shift in urban planning, infrastructure funding, and community engagement?

As Naga becomes a test case for national-local collaboration, will this model be enough to safeguard cities from recurring flood disasters — or is more systemic change needed? (Larawan mula: Mayor Leni Robredo / Facebook)