Residents living in a flood-prone community in Brgy. San Perfecto, San Juan City have voluntarily agreed to relocate as part of the national government’s “Oplan Kontra Baha,” a major flood-mitigation initiative launched on November 12 and led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
According to RH Edniel Parrosa's report on dzRH's Dos Por Dos, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Wednesday conducted an inspection of the affected residential area near the San Juan River, where several homes stand directly over major water and drainage systems.
The officials said these structures severely obstruct water flow, contributing to heavy flooding during the rainy season.
To address the issue, the national and local governments are implementing a two-fold solution: relocation of affected families and the construction of a new DPWH pumping station on the site. This project forms part of Oplan Kontra Baha’s primary objective—to clear waterways of all obstructions and restore the natural flow of water.
The families living in the area are among those regularly evacuated during storms and floods. Zamora confirmed that eight families initially accepted the relocation offer. They will first be transferred to a temporary staging area and will later receive permanent housing.
Meanwhile, Dizon apologized to the affected residents, noting that demolition of the structures was scheduled to begin the same day. However, he emphasized that the relocation is essential for the long-term safety and welfare of the community.
“Humihingi tayo ng paumanhin doon sa mga pamilya, pero para sa ikabubuti ng community na binabaha,” Dizon said.
“Nagpapasalamat din tayo sa kanila, at nandito si Mayor Francis para bigyan sila ng temporary na tirahan at later on permanenteng tirahan," he added.
Oplan Kontra Baha covers all of Metro Manila and selected flood-prone regions nationwide. Over the next nine months—beyond the rainy season—waterways, esteros, drainage systems, and pumping stations will undergo continuous clearing and dredging. Telescopic backhoes and other heavy machinery will be deployed to remove accumulated waste and sediments.
The program also mandates the removal of outdated flood control structures and the relocation of informal settlers along waterways to prevent further obstruction and reduce the risk of severe flooding in urban communities.
