By Ana-liza Macatangay and Ernie Delgado
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo speak with a resident during their inspection of the dredging operations at Sagop Creek on August 6, 2026. (Image from DPWH)
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wants the dredging of all creeks, including the smaller ones, in Naga City to be finished in time for the rainy season.
According to Dizon, the deployment of two more smaller dredging machines will help fast-track the DPWH’s efforts to remove silt, debris and other solid waste from the creeks.
Dizon personally handed over the equipment during his inspection of the ongoing dredging operations at Sagop Creek in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña.
“Kung maaalala ninyo noong nagpunta si Presidente dito, mayroong mga maliliit na creeks tulad nitong Sagop na hindi kayang pasukin ng malalaking equipment,” Dizon said, explaining that Mayor Leni Robredo requested compact backhoes and dredging equipment that can access narrow waterways.
(If you remember when the President visited Naga City, there were smaller creeks that larger equipment could not access.) The new excavators will remain in the area to clear the smaller creeks
Dizon said that the machines are essential because Naga City collects floodwater from neighboring towns, necessitating regular unclogging and desilting.
He also said that more smaller dredging equipment will arrive next week to help clear narrow waterways, including those near Julian B. Meliton Elementary School, which often experiences flooding.
“Mayroong paparating next week na mas maliit pa rito para naman sa mga creeks malapit sa Julian B. Meliton Elementary School na laging binabaha,” he said.
(Smaller equipment is expected to arrive next week to clear creeks near Julian B. Meliton Elementary School, which frequently experiences flooding)
Dizon also committed to deploying two mobile pumps next week to facilitate the rapid drainage of floodwaters during heavy rains.
Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo said that the additional equipment would enhance the city’s flood mitigation efforts.
She explained that although the City Engineering Office and the DPWH Third District Engineering Office attempted to conduct manual desilting operations in Sagop Creek, the hardened silt and soil have become difficult to remove without specialized equipment.
“With this equipment, nakikita namin gumagalaw na. Kahit konting trabaho pa lang, gumagalaw na. Ang laking tulong niya sa pagsugpo ng baha,” Robredo said.
(We can already see progress even with just a small amount of work. It is a huge help in addressing flooding.)
For residents, the additional equipment brings hope for a long-term solution to the city’s recurring flooding.
Lily Romero, 65, a resident of Barangay Concepcion Pequeña, said flooding has become a yearly challenge, particularly during the last quarter of the year.
She recalled that floodwaters brought by Typhoon Kristine in 2024 reached chest level, damaging appliances, furniture, and other household belongings.
Romero expressed hope that the continuous clearing and dredging of waterways under Oplan Kontra Baha would help reduce flooding and protect communities from similar experiences in the future.
“Salamat kay President Marcos, project po ito ni BBM,” Romero said. (I thank President Marcos, this is one of his projects.) (Nicolle Frilles contributed to this report/PIA Bicol)
