ILOILO — The city government has rolled out the second phase of its Oplan Kontra Baha cleanup drive, targeting garbage-clogged portions of the Jaro River. The initiative aims to restore water flow and improve drainage in areas where accumulated waste has become a persistent problem.
A Labor-Intensive Push
General Services Office head Neil Ravena said cleanup operations this week focus on Barangays Benedicto and Tabuc Suba. Workers will move to Barangay Cubay next week as the drive progresses. The operation covers a stretch from the boundary of Tabuc Suba in La Paz to Barangay Tacas in Jaro.
The work is physically demanding. Ravena noted that hauling garbage from the river to collection points requires 10 to 15 people just to carry a single crate. Workers are provided personal protective equipment and underwent safety orientation with the city health office.
Partnerships Power the Cleanup
The city government is working with the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Labor and Employment. DOLE deployed workers under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program for the 21-day cleanup. This partnership provides employment while addressing a critical environmental need.
The collaboration ensures that cleanup efforts are both systematic and sustained. Each agency brings specific expertise, from engineering support to workforce management. The unified approach maximizes impact across the targeted river stretch.
From Collection to Prevention
The city expects to collect five to six truckloads of garbage in each identified area, with each truck carrying an estimated two to three tons. Five to six areas have been identified for cleanup in this phase. The sheer volume highlights the scale of the problem.
After the cleanup, the city plans to install waste traps to prevent future accumulation. Officials will also identify barangays contributing to the solid waste buildup. These measures aim to address root causes rather than just symptoms.
Building on Past Success
The first phase, conducted along portions of the Jaro River in La Paz, removed nearly 100 tons of garbage. That success demonstrated what coordinated effort can achieve. The second phase builds on this momentum with expanded reach.
Ravena expressed confidence in sustaining the effort. He said the city will support the initiative and work to maintain clear waterways. The commitment signals a shift from one-time cleanups to ongoing stewardship.
A Commitment to Clear Waterways
Oplan Kontra Baha remains a flagship program for flood prevention and environmental health. By restoring river flow, the city reduces flood risk in surrounding barangays. The cleanup also improves water quality and community safety.
The initiative reflects the broader goal of building a more resilient Iloilo City. Clean waterways are essential infrastructure that protects lives and property. The second phase marks another step forward in that mission.
