By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City government has intensified its relocation and disaster risk reduction program as shelter and relief assistance was distributed to families recently moved from danger-prone zones along Mambuloc Creek and coastal areas.
On Saturday, January 24, Mayor Greg Gasataya spearheaded the turnover of housing and relief support to 20 families from Barangay 2’s Purok Balinday, now resettled at Progreso Village Relocation Site II (PVRS II) in Barangay Vista Alegre.
Each household received P10,000 in financial assistance to help ease their transition.
The rollout underscored the city’s push to permanently relocate residents exposed to recurring flooding and coastal hazards.
The relocation forms part of Bacolod’s long-term flood mitigation and public safety strategy.
Earlier, 37 families from Purok Balinday agreed to a voluntary and peaceful relocation, noting that many had lived in the area for decades despite repeated risks during storms and calamities.
Of the total beneficiaries, 14 families have already transferred to PVRS II, while 17 others are expected to relocate in the coming weeks.
On January 14, the city formally awarded individual residential lots to 20 pre-qualified families, providing them with secure and legal spaces for permanent housing.
The City Engineer’s Office also assisted residents with dismantling old structures and hauling materials, following notices to vacate issued in October 2025 and later extended upon residents’ request.
During the latest turnover, each beneficiary family received 10 pieces of colored galvanized iron sheets and a butane stove to help jumpstart home construction.
A site inspection conducted on January 21 showed that most relocation lots were already prepared, with eight families beginning construction of their homes.
City officials said further meetings will be held to discuss additional assistance for site development and housing needs.
Relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development was also distributed, including two food packs per family containing rice, canned goods and others, along with a complete kitchen kit.
To further support the families, Gasataya announced that the city government will shoulder the P1,600 water connection fee for each household. Solar lighting will also be prioritized at the relocation site as a temporary safety measure while permanent power and infrastructure facilities are being completed.
Beneficiary Mary Ann Venales expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying the support went beyond what she initially expected.
“I’m truly overjoyed, especially when I heard that I would finally have my own home. Seeing the relocation site made me even more emotional,” Venales said.
Gasataya assured the families that the city remains committed to fulfilling its promises. He stressed that relocation from high-risk zones is crucial to safeguarding lives and ensuring long-term safety, particularly for communities situated near waterways and coastal areas.
The city government also urged barangay officials to help maintain waterways and prevent the return of illegal structures, reinforcing Bacolod’s broader flood control, relocation and public safety initiatives./CJ, WDJ