Floodgates and pumping stations are needed to address Bacolod’s flooding problems, Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez says.*Andrew Altarejos photo
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged funds to support Bacolod City’s flood mitigation efforts, Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said on Monday July 14.
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan has also made a similar commitment, he said.
Benitez said he already discussed with the president the concept of floodgates and pumping stations to be constructed at Bacolod’s rivers to address the flooding problem.
These crucial projects were initially slated for partial funding in this year’s national budget but, like other projects nationwide, the allocation unfortunately “disappeared,” Benitez said.
“So I spoke to the president and he assured that it would be rectified, the funds would be put back in”, the congressman said.
Benitez said he initially requested P300 million for floodgates and pumping stations covering three rivers. Now, the scope has expanded to five rivers, meaning a larger budget will be required, he said.
Floodgates and pumping stations are crucial components in flood control, which are urgently needed, Benitez said .*