Creek dredging launched to curb flooding in Bukidnon state university

Central Mindanao University (CMU). Facebook photo

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — To avoid devastating floods that submerged roads and classrooms at the Central Mindanao University (CMU) last year, the state university has joined forces with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Philippine Army to restore a key waterway aimed at preventing another disaster.

The three agencies formalized the partnership through an Inter-Agency Cooperation Agreement signed on July 9 at the university campus, launching the Oplan Kontra Baha project for the restoration and dredging of the Old Impounding Basin along Taganibong Creek.

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The project comes nearly a year after heavy overnight rains on Sept. 17, 2025, triggered severe flooding at CMU, inundating campus roads and classrooms after nearby waterways overflowed.

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The signing came on the heels of heavy rains that battered Bukidnon province in the past few days.

The project seeks to restore the creek’s capacity by removing accumulated silt, sediment, vegetation, and other debris that have restricted water flow over the years.

Officials said the rehabilitation is expected to improve drainage within the university and nearby communities, reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rains.

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Under the agreement, the DPWH will lead the engineering and dredging operations by providing technical expertise, supervision, and heavy equipment.

The Philippine Army will support the project through manpower and logistics, while CMU will coordinate implementation and facilitate access to the project site.

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The initiative is part of the government’s Oplan Kontra Baha, a nationwide flood mitigation program that focuses on dredging rivers and waterways, clearing drainage systems, and restoring natural water channels to reduce flooding in vulnerable areas.

The latest collaboration aims to strengthen the university’s flood resilience and protect students, employees, and surrounding communities from future flooding. /mr

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