Officials in the highly urbanized Bacolod City have expressed support for the order of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for a nationwide investigation into flood control projects.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya said that while he leaves the review of the projects to Malacañang and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), he said that any initiative to seek accountability is a positive development.
“Any inquiry or investigation conducted by the agencies to improve services, to improve projects of the national government is a welcome move,” Gasataya said.
The official noted that the city government now focuses on clearing operations on major rivers, drainage systems, and waterways to allow the free flow of water, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
“The fight against flooding is not won in a single day, but every time our city comes together to change our ways and set things right, we get closer and closer,” Gasataya enjoined the public in a social media post.
Meanwhile, as the recurrence of flooding continues to degrade the quality of life of the people, Bacolod City Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who also welcomed the President’s directive, seeks greater transparency and accountability in flooding projects.
“He, like all of us, recognizes that flood mitigation projects must keep our homes safe, protect our livelihoods, and give our people peace of mind during typhoons,” he added.
As Benitez also seeks accountability for failed or inadequate flood control projects, he noted that accountability alone is not enough and that a whole-of-community approach is crucial in finding real and doable solutions to this perennial issue.
“Flooding is a problem that affects all of us, and it will take all of us to solve it … At the end of the day, we are all part of the solution, and if we do not act, no one else will,” according to Benitez.
With this, the lawmaker said his office will spearhead the convening of a local flood control summit to bring together residents of Bacolod City and nearby areas, national and local government officials, contractors, and experts to explore options to address the city’s flooding problem.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos emphasized that no official or entity involved in the corruption of public funds through such flood control projects will be exempt from charges.
“Sa mga susunod na buwan, makakasuhan ang lahat ng mga lalabas na may sala mula sa imbestigasyon. Pati na ang mga kasabwat na kontratista sa buong bansa. Kailangan malaman ng taong-bayan ang buong katotohanan.
Kailangang may managot sa naging matinding pinsala at katiwalian.”
To report issues on flood control projects, visit www.sumbongsapangulo.ph, find your area of concern, and send photos or videos with a brief description. (PIA Negros Occidental)