By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA
House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said that mitigating flooding in the city is not simply about structures — it is about protecting lives and the future.
“Through this whole-of-government, whole-of-society roadmap, we are collectively reimagining Bacolod’s flood plans based on the lived experiences of our people, guided by science, strengthened by cooperation, and anchored on our shared responsibility to care for the environment,” Benitez said during the 3rd and final Bacolod Flood Mitigation Summit in the city yesterday.
The lawmaker disclosed that they are laying the foundation for a safer, more sustainable and flood-resilient Bacolod.
The summit was also attended by the city officials, government agencies, regional offices, civil society organizations, and the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The participants signed a commitment affirming their steadfast support for a whole-of-society roadmap aimed at addressing flooding.
Benitez said flooding is both a global and local challenge.
“Around the world, communities are experiencing floods that are becoming more frequent, more intense and more destructive. In many places, the flooding they experience is far worse than what we face in Bacolod,” he said.
He added that through the series of flood mitigation summits, they have demonstrated that while flooding is complex, mitigating its impacts is not impossible.
The lawmaker noted that by bringing together the right data, knowledge, tools, expertise, and commitment, they have identified where flooding occurs, understood the factors that contribute to it, and explored both green and gray interventions that can protect our people while preserving our environment.
“A whole-of-government, whole-of-society roadmap for addressing flooding in Bacolod City is a testament to what can be achieved when we work holistically and with a shared purpose,” Benitez said.
Moreover, Benitez also launched a digital platform that will serve as a central repository for flood events, data, studies, engineering solutions, proposed interventions, and ongoing mitigation efforts.
“This platform will be a living tool for collaboration, coordination and accountability. It will allow government agencies, experts, stakeholders, and communities to share information, monitor progress, and build upon the knowledge we have collectively gained through this process,” Benitez said.
He said flood mitigation cannot be a one-time undertaking. It requires sustained commitment, continuous learning and collective action.
“Let us not waver in our resolve. Let us continue refining our plans, improving our systems, and working together long after this summit has concluded,” he added.
Benitez stressed that the roadmap that they presented is not a final destination; it is part of an ongoing journey toward a safer, smarter and more flood-resilient Bacolod.
“Our efforts must remain collective. Our commitment must remain continuous. From here, we will continue building on the partnerships forged through this summit,” Benitez said.
He said they will strengthen coordination among agencies, institutions, experts, and communities.
“We will monitor our progress, share best practices, and hold one another accountable for the commitments we make today. We always remember why we are doing this,” he added./MAP, WDJ