By CESAR JOLITO III
In light of the severe flooding that displaced more than 5,000 residents over the weekend, Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Mayor Greg Gasataya have directed government agencies to take immediate and coordinated action to address the city’s persistent flooding problems.
“We cannot afford to waste any more time. We must act now,” Benitez told officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during an emergency meeting yesterday together with the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), City Engineering Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Bacolod City Police Office.
“No more delays,” he told them.
Benitez instructed DPWH to submit cost estimates for a major flood control project that includes the installation of floodgates and pumping stations in high-risk barangays such as Banago and Mandalagan.
Among the identified top priority projects were
* Installing pumping stations to accelerate water discharge
* Clearing blocked floodways
* Conducting emergency dredging of the Banago River and Mandalagan shoreline
* Mapping optimal water channels to divert floodwaters
Benitez said he is now looking for funds worth P300 million to be allocated for the installation of floodgates in five rivers, such as Banago, Mandalagan, Lupit, Magsungay, and Mambuloc, and in the diversion channel in the Reclamation Area.
Meanwhile, Gasataya echoed the urgency of the action, calling on all departments at the city hall and the local council to rally behind concrete and fast-tracked solutions against flooding.
“We can’t wait any longer. Let’s have quick and real solutions. Let’s get it done,” Gasataya said.
“We cannot allow this to happen again. Let’s stop the blame game. Let’s work together,” he added.
Gasataya personally oversaw the city’s emergency response, as he spent his Friday night, July 11, at the DRRMO command center coordinating rescue operations.
Earlier, Gasataya ordered intensified dredging operations in northern waterways to mitigate future flooding.
Gasataya said rapid urbanization and poor drainage infrastructure are key factors contributing to the recurring floods.
“Previously, rainwater would absorb into the soil. Now, concrete surfaces force water to seek the steepest paths to low-lying areas,” he said.
The mayor said flooding is not an isolated issue, as “climate change, accelerated urban growth and outdated infrastructure are converging to challenge the city’s resilience.”
Clogged waterways and drainage systems also contribute to the problem, he pointed out.
Gasataya also called on the residents to unite and do their share against flooding.
“Maintain clean waterways to prevent future flooding by keeping our creeks and drains clear, and support community efforts by joining hands with local government and organizations to make a difference,” the mayor said.
“Together, we can overcome the challenges posed by flooding and build a stronger, more resilient Bacolod City,” he added.
At least 441 families composed of 875 individuals from seven barangays in Bacolod were evacuated due to floods brought by nearly four hours of continuous heavy rain on Friday night.
The heavy and continuous rainfall led to widespread flooding in several parts of Bacolod, as some residents were forced to seek evacuation from nearby hotels and schools.
The city government aims to convert urgency into tangible action amid growing public frustration over recurring floods in Bacolod.
With weather patterns becoming more unpredictable, both officials vowed to mobilize all available resources to prevent flooding./CJ, WDJ