Bacolod lawmaker urges flood summit to tackle city woes

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod Representative Alfredo “Albee” Benitez is calling for a flood summit to address the city’s persistent flooding problem.

In a post on his official social media page over the weekend, Benitez said, “That is why we are spearheading the convening of a Flood Control Summit – to bring Bacolod City residents and those from surrounding areas, national and local government officials, contractors, and experts together to discuss and adopt real, doable solutions.”

He emphasized that the summit is not about pointing fingers.

“It is about rolling up our sleeves and putting our heads together to find concrete ways to protect lives, homes, and livelihoods,” Benitez said. “At the end of the day, we are all part of the solution, and if we do not act, no one else will.”

Benitez recalled that last July, Bacolod City and neighboring areas were once again hit by severe flooding.

He said that given the continued risks, it is only right to demand accountability and ensure those behind failed or inadequate projects are held responsible.

“But to solve this recurring problem, we must recognize that accountability alone will not keep our communities safe,” he added.

He further stressed, “We cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results.”

Benitez said that even if he is now a congressman and no longer mayor, he continues to monitor the city’s projects.

“Flooding is a problem that affects all of us, and it will take all of us to solve it,” he said.

Meanwhile, 3rd District Representative Javi Benitez, son of the Bacolod lawmaker, also addressed the issue in a social media post.

He said it has been a month since floods hit Bacolod, Talisay, and parts of Metro 3rd, displacing thousands of families, turning roads into rivers, and bringing life to a standstill.

“I’ve spoken with residents and reviewed the measures we have in place today,” he said. “The truth is, our drainage and waterways are connected, but our solutions are not. Garbage and trash clog our rivers and canals. This is a year-round problem, and it needs a continuous and sustained fix.”

He noted that while dredging, pump gates, and diversion channels exist, they often work in silos. Some projects are delayed, others underperform, and when one area is fixed, the water simply flows to the next.

The younger Benitez added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials have already called for stronger flood mitigation measures and smarter infrastructure.

“I agree, and for Metro 3rd, I’m proposing two key steps, if the distinguished congressman of Bacolod is amenable,” he said.

These are:

1. Bacolod–Metro 3rd Flood and Climate Resilience Master Plan– a coordinated blueprint for Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, and nearby towns, unifying drainage designs, floodgate systems, river restoration, and watershed protection.
2. Bacolod–Metro 3rd Flood and Climate Resilience Program– the implementation phase covering infrastructure construction, waterway restoration, accountability enforcement, and timely completion of projects.

“I’m ready to work with our national and local officials, DPWH, and relevant agencies to make these happen,” Javi Benitez said.

“We may not be in control of the weather, but there are actions we must take to be better,” he added.