Bacolod clears Mambuloc Creek after relocating 37 families

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Clearing operations along Mambuloc Creek are progressing steadily following the voluntary relocation of 37 families, including 27 informal settler households, from danger zones in Purok Balinday, Barangay 2, on January 15, 2026.

The relocation marks a key phase in Bacolod City’s flood mitigation efforts, as the creek had been previously identified as a high-risk area for flooding due to illegal settlements obstructing drainage flow.

Among those who moved was Ireneo Longinos, chairperson of Kadamay-Negros, who expressed cautious optimism about the relocation.

“It’s good that we were relocated away from the danger zones, especially knowing that we will eventually have a place we can own once we comply with all the requirements,” Longinos said.

Each household received PHP 10,000 in financial aid, while 20 pre-qualified beneficiaries were granted residential lots at Progreso Village Relocation Site II in Barangay Vista Alegre.

The relocation followed the issuance of Notices of Violation in October 2025 to families occupying the creek’s easement zone.

The settlements had long been classified by Mayor Greg Gasataya as hazardous due to flood vulnerability and obstruction of natural water flow.

Instead of strict enforcement, the city opted for what officials described as a “smooth and humane” approach.

Although the initial Notice to Vacate set a November 1, 2025 deadline, the city granted multiple extensions, including a postponement of the mid-December demolition out of respect for the Christmas season.

The City Legal Office supervised the voluntary demolition in collaboration with the Bacolod Housing Authority, City Engineer’s Office, and Bacolod Traffic and Transportation Management Department.

To mitigate broader disruptions, the city also extended PHP 10,000 in assistance to 10 additional families residing on private land adjacent to the creek.

Officials emphasized that sustained community cooperation and vigilance are essential to preventing the return of illegal structures along the waterway.

Barangay 2 Punong Barangay Imelda Banguagua pledged to closely monitor the cleared area as work continues under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

From July to November 2025, the City Engineer’s Office removed approximately 42,500 kilograms of waste from Mambuloc Creek as part of its flood control initiative.

City officials said the clearing operation is a crucial component of Bacolod’s broader flood mitigation strategy, which aims to restore natural water flow and protect lives and property in low-lying areas.