By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City government, through the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), will release financial assistance to 37 informal settler families affected by the planned clearing of structures along Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 2.

DSSD chief Dr. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said each identified family will receive P10,000 in cash aid to support their relocation, as authorities move to dismantle structures located within high-risk danger zones.

The assistance comes ahead of the January 15 deadline set by the City Legal Office for residents to vacate the area.

City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu earlier emphasized that the demolition is part of the city’s effort to address safety concerns and enforce regulations on easement and hazard-prone areas.

Mangga said the beneficiaries were identified through social preparation interviews to ensure that only qualified families receive assistance and that adequate support is provided during the transition process.

She added that the service of notices and conduct of public assemblies were carried out smoothly, with no untoward incidents reported, as concerned agencies coordinated early to inform residents of the impending clearing operations.

The city government underscored that the removal of structures along Mambuloc Creek is crucial to public safety, noting that the makeshift dwellings obstruct water flow and increase the risk of flooding, especially with the ongoing dredging of the nearby Banago River.

Officials warned that continued obstruction could lead to dangerous overflow during heavy rains./CJ, WDJ