NAGA CITY, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo met Saturday to inspect the administration’s new flood control program in the Bicol River Basin, focusing on infrastructure improvements and disaster preparedness. The visit included the turnover of P500 million for renovations at the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum.
Marcos said the national flood mitigation initiative, “Oplan Kontra Baha,” targets 29 rivers and creeks and two lakes in Bicol. In Naga, the project includes cleaning and clearing Sagop Creek and the city’s drainage system, with completion expected by July 31. Robredo said storms in Bicol have caused rainfall of up to 700 centimeters in a single day, underscoring the need for flood control measures.
The President handed Robredo a Special Allotment Release Order for P500 million to retrofit and modernize the 12,000-seat coliseum, originally built under Robredo’s late husband and designed to serve as an evacuation center during disasters. Planned improvements include roofing upgrades, structural strengthening, sanitation enhancements, a community kitchen, and designated medical areas.
Both Marcos and Robredo dismissed questions about potential political implications or alliances ahead of the 2028 elections. Marcos said his trip had been planned months in advance and emphasized, “We’re not going to discuss politics now. What we are here for is to try and find solutions to this very important problem…for Naga City and the whole of Bicol.” Robredo echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m not talking about politics this early because I have a lot of work to do.”
The two officials previously met in October 2024 at the inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Arena, their first face-to-face encounter since the 2016 vice presidential race, which Robredo won. Marcos and Robredo have also been opponents in the 2022 presidential election, won by Marcos.
During the visit, Marcos wore pink socks in honor of Robredo, who wore a pink blouse, her campaign color from previous elections. The two shared a brief, cordial exchange, with both officials emphasizing service and public safety over political considerations.