The local government of Bacolod has made an appeal to Bacolodnons amid flooding concerns in this highly urbanized city — support city government initiatives and dispose of garbage properly.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, in a press conference, sought the support and cooperation of the public in addressing this perennial issue that has affected at least 5,000 Bacolodnons since the July 11 flooding until the recent effects of the habagat, enhanced by Tropical Cyclone “Crising.”
“We continuously appeal for each and every one’s support in terms of ila nga garbage,” Gasataya stressed as he outlined the city’s prospective short-term and mid-term solutions.
The official said the city government eyes starting with households by raising awareness on proper garbage disposal, followed by improving the garbage collection system, and clearing waterways of garbage and silt.
On July 21, the city hall dispatched personnel from the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to perform monitoring and inspection, and further clearing operations on creeks and canals, in preparation for another high volume of rain that might hit the city as the wet season continues.
“We requested ang mga departments [sang city government] nga, kung may personnel sila without duty, to volunteer to augment efforts para mapadasig ang clearing [operations],” said Gasataya.
Relocation is also mulled for settlements along rivers to allow the free flow of water. The Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA) has been tasked to identify suitable areas for the relocation of the affected families.
While the city government takes charge of drainage and creeks leading to rivers, the office of Congressman Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, with the DPWH, facilitates developments at the mouth of the river.
Benitez recently disclosed that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has committed to allocating funds for the installation of floodgates and pumping stations in various strategic points, forming part of Bacolod City’s flood control initiative.
Both local leaders emphasized the urgency of the situation and highlighted the critical need for a decisive and coordinated action to address the City’s flooding problem.
“This is a wake-up call. Nature is sending a message to all of us,” Gasataya said as he pointed out other localities being hit by intense flooding.
“This is not to justify the situation but to open our eyes that we have a challenge ahead of us — one that requires everyone’s support.” (PIA-Negros Occidental)