Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez and Mayor Greg Gasataya have directed government agencies to take immediate action following the widespread flooding that occurred in Bacolod City Friday night, July 11.
More than 5,000 Bacolod residents were affected by the flood, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said on Monday, July 14.
The two leaders convened an emergency meeting on Monday, with the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Council and key response units.
Attendees included the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Bacolod City District Engineering Office, the Bacolod City Engineering Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Bacolod City Police Office.
Discussions focused on both immediate remedies and long-term flood mitigation strategies.
Benitez instructed the DPWH to immediately submit cost estimates for a proposed flood mitigation project to fast-track its implementation.
Priority measures include installing floodgates and pumping stations in vulnerable areas like Banago and Mandalagan to enhance water discharge capacity and prevent water surges.
“We cannot afford to waste any more time. We must act now,” Benitez emphasized.
Gasataya echoed this call, stressing the need for decisive and coordinated action to prevent a repeat of the recent disaster.
“We can’t wait any longer. All departments and the City Council need to work together. Let’s have quick and real solutions. Let’s get it done,” Gasataya urged.
The meeting also addressed critical drainage improvements, including:
*Identifying optimal water channels
*Clearing obstructed floodways
*Emergency dredging operations for the Mandalagan shoreline and Banago River
On Sunday afternoon, the mayor dispatched a team from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to drain floodwaters from Purok Katilingban in Barangay Banago, where 132 families reside.*