Catarman N. Samar-To help prevent flooding this coming rainy season, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office, in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Northern Samar, conducted canal clearing operations along the Allen–Catarman Road section, particularly in Barangay Dalakit, Catarman, on June 18, 2026, under the Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB) program.
The operation focused on desilting and removing debris and other obstructions from drainage canals to ensure the unhampered flow of water and minimize the risk of flooding. The activity forms part of the of the featured activities for the 128th anniversary celebration of the Department and government’s continuing flood-mitigation efforts and disaster preparedness measures before the onset of heavy rains.
DPWH-Maintenance crews successfully declogged approximately 350 cubic meters of drainage inlets, with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) providing support through the flushing of canals and drainage lines to clear residual blockages.
In an interview, a bystander commended the activity and expressed his appreciation.
“Naupayan ak sa ginhimo sa DPWH kay grabeh talaga. Ine an maupay nga pagkiwa nga mintras mahuraw naghihimo sin paglimpyo, ginkukuha nira an mga bara sa kanal. Dako talaga iton nga bulig kay maaram naman kit nga an baha pag nag-uuran, tala la nga uran didi sa Catarman, nabaha talaga, dali magdako an tubig. So, kadako siton nga bulig nga ginhihimo sa DPWH. Salamat talaga sa taga-DPWH, saludo kami sa iyo, salamat sa maupay nga serbisyo,” said Bong Abria.
Natuwa talaga ako sa ginawa ng dpwh, ito ang tamang araw ng paglilinis kasi tag-araw pa, kinukuha nila ang mga naka-bara sa kanal, malaking tulong talaga yan kasi alam naman bumabaha kapag umuulan, kunting ulan dito sa Catarman, bumabaha talaga, mabilis lumaki ang tubig. kaya malaking tulong talaga ang ginawa ng DPWH. Salamat talaga sa taga DPWH, saludo kami sa inyo, salamat sa magandang serbisyo.
Meanwhile District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio encouraged residents to practice proper waste disposal and refrain from throwing garbage into canals and drainage systems to help mitigate flooding. He further emphasized that regular maintenance and clearing of drainage systems are essential in keeping roads passable and communities safe, particularly during the rainy season.
Through Oplan Kontra Baha, the agency continues to strengthen its efforts to mitigate flooding and improve public safety across the 1st district of Northern Samar.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)
