By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City government has intensified its flood control and drainage improvement efforts following heavy rains on October 14 that inundated several parts of the city.
Mayor Greg Gasataya personally led an inspection of flood-hit areas alongside the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), identifying major problem points and ordering immediate remedial action to prevent future incidents.
“We’ve identified the cause — there are gaps in the structure where water seeps through,” Gasataya said.
He said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has committed to fixing this so that water will no longer overflow into residential areas and Lacson Street.
Gasataya has since ordered the immediate removal of debris and structural reinforcement in affected areas.
In Bugnay Street, near the University of St. La Salle (USLS), the city inspection team discovered that clogged drainage lines — caused by garbage-filled sacks and overgrown vegetation — were obstructing water flow.
A similar issue was found at Kamunsil Street near Gate 8 of USLS, where old canals failed to handle the heavy downpour, resulting in overflow reaching Balay Kalinungan.
Meanwhile, at St. Scholastica’s Academy, a collapsed portion of the school’s perimeter wall blocked the nearby creek, worsening the flooding in the vicinity.
In Barangay Mandalagan’s Carvic area, the CEO also traced water seepage to gaps in the so-called “pika-pika” structure.
The issue has been referred to the DPWH for urgent repair.
Diversion channel to be completed by December
Gasataya confirmed that both DPWH and Almana Construction reaffirmed their earlier commitment to complete the Mandalagan diversion channel before the year ends.
“They committed to finishing the inlet by the second week of November and the outfall by the second week of December. The city will also prepare the tapping points for the local drainage system,” he added.
Gasataya further directed the clearing of silt buildup in Mambuloc to avert possible drainage blockages during future rainfall.
He also revealed that the city is crafting a community-based early flood warning system to strengthen disaster preparedness, especially in low-lying and coastal areas.
“We hear you, and we are listening. The local government of Bacolod is acting with urgency and precision. Guided by technical assessments, we’re taking responsible steps to ensure long-term solutions,” the mayor said./CJ, WDJ