Cong. Albee, Mayor Greg Direct Gov’t Agencies for Swift Action on Flooding

Bacolod Lone District Congressman Albee Benitez and Mayor Greg Gasataya have ordered concerned agencies to act without delay following the flooding that occurred on Friday night, July 11. More than 5,000 Bacolod residents were affected by the flood.

The two leaders convened an emergency meeting with the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Council together with key response units including the DRRMO, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bacolod City District Engineering Office, Bacolod City Engineering Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and Bacolod City Police Office.

Discussions focused on both immediate remedies and long-term flood mitigation strategies.

Congressman 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 surge

“We cannot afford to waste any more time. We must act now,” emphasized Congressman Benitez. Mayor Gasataya echoed this call, stressing that decisive and coordinated action is needed to prevent a repeat of the recent disaster.

“We can’t wait any longer. All departments and the City Council needed-should work together. Let’s have quick and real solutions. Let’s get it done,” Mayor Gasataya said.

The meeting also addressed critical drainage improvements, including:
1. Identifying optimal water channels
2. Clearing obstructed floodways
3. Emergency dredging operations for the Mandalagan shoreline and Banago River

When flood waters started rising in flood-prone areas Friday night, July 11, Mayor Greg stayed overnight at the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) command center observing and coordinating rescue efforts before joining relief distributions at Andres Bonifacio Elementary School 2 Friday Morning.

On Sunday afternoon, the mayor dispatched a team from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to drain floodwaters from Purok Katilingban in Brgy. Banago where 132 families reside.* (Bacolod City Communications Office)