Thirty-seven families – including 27 informal settler households – voluntarily demolished their homes along Mambuloc Creek in Purok Balinday, Barangay 2, Bacolod City, on Thursday, January 15.
Ireneo Longinos, chairman of the Kalipunan ng mga Maralitang Mamamayan in Negros Island (Kadamay-Negros), was among those who moved. He acknowledged the city government’s efforts to ensure safe relocation for residents in danger zones, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said Friday.
“It’s good that we were relocated away from the danger zones, knowing that we will eventually have a place we can own once we comply with all the requirements,” Longinos said.
Each of the 37 affected households received immediate financial assistance of ₱10,000. Additionally, 20 pre-qualified beneficiaries were allocated lots at the Progreso Village Relocation Site II in Barangay Vista Alegre.
The City Legal Office first issued Notices of Violation in October 2025 to families living in the creek area. These settlements had been a primary concern for Mayor Greg Gasataya, as they posed safety risks during calamities and obstructed drainage systems, worsening urban flooding, the press release said.
The mayor stressed that his administration prioritized a “smooth and humane” transition over strict enforcement. While the first Notice to Vacate was issued in October 2025 with an initial deadline of November 1, multiple extensions were granted. A planned mid-December demolition was postponed in the “Spirit of Christmas,” allowing families to stay through the holidays before relocating in January.
The peaceful demolition was supervised by the City Legal Office, in coordination with the Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA), City Engineer’s Office (CEO), and Bacolod Traffic and Transportation Management Department (BTTMD).
To address broader neighborhood impact, ₱10,000 in assistance was also provided to 10 additional families living on private property near the creek – part of the city’s commitment to supporting residents as they build new lives in safer areas, the press release said.
City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu emphasized the need for community cooperation and barangay oversight to prevent new illegal structures along waterways to reduce weather-related risks.
Barangay 2 Punong Barangay Emelda Banguanga pledged to monitor the area as clearing work by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues.
From July to November 2025, the CEO removed approximately 42,500 kilograms of waste from Mambuloc Creek.
The creek clearing is part of the city’s flood mitigation strategy, designed to restore natural water flow and protect lives and properties, the press release said.*