By MAE SINGUAY

Twelve barangays in Bacolod City failed to comply with the Barangay Road Clearing Operations (BaRCO) Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG-Bacolod Director Christian Nagaynay said the 12 barangays that failed to submit their road clearing operations report from January to June of this year are Barangays 3, 10, 11, 15, 19, 20, 25, 28, 37, 38, Sum-ag, and Punta Taytay.

The road clearing operations aim to create safer and more accessible streets by removing obstructions and reclaiming public spaces for motorists and pedestrians alike.

Clear roads mean better mobility, healthier communities and a safer environment for all, Nagaynay said.

He explained that the reports are vital for DILG’s monitoring, assessment and validation of compliance.

As per DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2024-053, all punong barangays are reminded to submit their monthly road clearing reports, complete with supporting documents — on or before the 19th day of the month.

Nagaynay also called on all barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to actively support and implement clearing operations in their respective villages.

Non-compliance or failure to act may be considered gross negligence of duty under Section 60 of Republic Act (RA) 7160 and other applicable laws, he said.

On his part, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said he will schedule a meeting with the DILG and the officials of the 12 barangays to discuss their compliance.

Earlier, Gasataya issued Executive Order (EO) 15, creating a task force on road clearing.

The EO provides for the clearing of obstructions on streets and roads in this city and establishes measures for effective implementation.

Based on the order, the City Legal Office, City Engineer’s Office and Traffic and Transport Management Department shall jointly oversee the implementation of the removal and clearing of obstructions and shall submit monthly accomplishment reports to the city mayor and the Office of the Vice Mayor until the complete removal of all identified obstructions is achieved./MS, WDJ