By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has intensified post-typhoon recovery efforts in the city by deploying job order (JO) personnel to assist in road clearing initiative following the impact of Typhoon “Tino,” stating the operations are only about 60 percent complete.

In a coordination meeting with department heads, Gasataya emphasized the need to fast-track cleanup operations, particularly in interior roads and subdivisions affected by the storm.

JO workers are tasked with removing manageable debris, fallen branches and other obstructions to ensure safe access across barangays.

Gasataya lauded frontliners, barangay officials and partner agencies for their continued dedication.

“We are maximizing every available manpower to ensure Bacolod recovers faster. Our job order personnel play a vital role in clearing streets, barangays and public spaces,” he said.

It was reported that more than 300 trees were toppled across the city when Typhoon “Tino” hit Bacolod last week.

To ensure coordinated operations, the city organized 16 interdepartmental clearing teams assigned to specific areas throughout Bacolod as of yesterday.

“This effort complements the ongoing work of the City Engineer’s Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, and other concerned agencies,” the mayor said.

According to Gasataya, the typhoon uprooted 278 trees, and around 29,000 residents sought refuge in evacuation centers during the storm’s peak.

Electricity restoration by Negros Electric and Power Corporation has reached 80 percent, while PrimeWater reports 70 percent of water services have been restored.

On November 5, the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recommended declaring a state of calamity, which the mayor endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The declaration enables a temporary price freeze and the release of emergency funds for affected barangays and displaced families./CJ, WDJ