President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will visit Naga City on Saturday, February 21, to personally inspect ongoing flood mitigation efforts under the government’s “Oplan Kontra Baha” program.
The visit will also include a meeting with Leni Robredo, the former Vice President who now serves as the city’s mayor, Malacañang confirmed on Thursday.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro disclosed the schedule during a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps.
Castro said the President’s visit is intended to personally assess flood control initiatives, which include clearing canals, esteros, and rivers to help prevent flooding in vulnerable areas.
“Totoo po na bibisita siya at makakasama niya si Mayor Leni,” Castro said, confirming that Marcos will meet with Robredo in her hometown during the trip.
Castro was also asked whether the meeting could include discussions about political matters, such as a potential alliance against Vice President Sara Duterte for the 2028 presidential elections.
Castro smiled and said, “yan ang abangan niyo,” indicating that such matters have not been scheduled or confirmed.
She emphasized that no campaign-related discussions or talks about possible candidates for 2028 are planned.
“Walang kasi talaga napag-uusapan tungkol sa pangangampanya o kung sino man ang magiging kandidato sa 2028,” Castro said.
Castro further stressed that it is too early to address political issues at this point.
“Hindi pa kasi panahon ngayon. Napakaaga pa kasi para tayo ay mag-announce na ika’y tatakbo o hindi. Napakaaga para mamulitika,” she added.
The Palace clarified that the focus of the visit is entirely on the administration’s “Oplan Kontra Baha” program, which is designed to strengthen disaster preparedness and reduce the risk of flooding across Naga City.
The program prioritizes clearing waterways and monitoring flood-prone areas, particularly ahead of the rainy season, to protect residents and communities.
This engagement allows Marcos to directly observe the progress of the cleanup and maintenance activities and coordinate with local officials on the implementation of flood control measures.
It also provides an opportunity for the President to discuss operational challenges and assess whether additional government support is needed to enhance the effectiveness of the program.
The meeting with Robredo underscores the cooperation between national and local government units in addressing flooding and disaster preparedness, a key priority for the administration.
Officials said that while the President’s schedule includes both inspections and meetings, no political statements or announcements are expected during the visit.
The Palace reiterated that the emphasis is on public service and disaster mitigation, not election-related discussions.
