Iloilo city: National government agencies and the local government here are set to launch the Oplan Kontra Baha next week to address flooding in this highly urbanized city.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is in response to the directives of the Marcos administration for broader efforts to enhance climate resilience, maintain cleaner waterways, and protect communities from the adverse effects of flooding, particularly during the rainy season, the Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas (DOLE 6) said in a report on Thursday afternoon.

An assessment on the condition of rivers, creeks, and drainage systems in key flood-prone barangays along the Iloilo River, particularly in Jaro and La Paz Districts, was conducted by the DOLE Iloilo Field Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, the Iloilo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and barangay (village) officials of concerned barangays.

In line with its implementation, DOLE-6 will implement the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), where beneficiaries will engage in a 31-day river clean-up. "The team is positive that snagging and clearing of all the major creeks in seven barangays along Jaro and La Paz Districts, which are Ticud, Baldoza, Ingore, Caingin, Tabuc Suba, Banuyao, and Hinactacan could help in stream restoration," the DOLE-6 said.

The river clean-up is a combination of manual labor from TUPAD workers and the technical intervention by the DPWH and the Iloilo City Government through its General Services Office (GSO) for the in-water debris removal. 'Through programs like TUPAD Oplan Kontra Baha, our aim is to provide an opportunity for employment to vulnerable workers and also to empower communities to take part in environmental protection and disaster mitigation initiatives,' DOLE-6 Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr. said.

The concerned barangays will also maintain waste traps that will be installed as barriers to collect waste after the clean-up. Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Plipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development will likewise be involved in community service after the clearing of river banks. The city government is also encouraging community involvement through manual trash collection in designated areas.