By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following a report about recent flooding in Barangay Pahanocoy resulting from closed drainage canals, Bacolod Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to unclog sewage and drainage canals in Bacolod City.
In addition to Pahanocoy, the congressman also identified Barangay Sum-ag as an “area of concern.”
He pointed out, most of the reported flooding occurred in areas where road repair projects had taken place. The observation corroborates comments earlier made by City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRMMO) cluster head Joemarie Vargas, who said drainage systems in Pahanocoy were closed due to recently-completed road improvement and widening projects.
Gasataya added necessary funding will be provided to the local DPWH office for their unclogging efforts.
Meanwhile, he noted, new flood control systems are currently being installed along Circumferential Road, near Lopue’s East, and in Barangay Mandalagan.
The congressman also said DPWH is rushing to complete anti-flooding riprap work, or a stonewall foundation, along major rivers in the city./WDJ