Bacolod Mayor Acts on Traffic Lights, Plaza, Flooding

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya has responded to long-standing complaints about non-functional traffic lights along the city’s main roads, one of the most common concerns of residents.

Just a week into his return to city hall, Gasataya began addressing Bacolod’s traffic issues by reactivating idle traffic lights on his first full day in office.

He announced the reactivation of the traffic lights at the busy Lopue’s East intersection, which had been out of service and caused daily traffic congestion.

The traffic lights at Bangga La Salle were also restored, improving order and safety for motorists and pedestrians in the area.

Gasataya said repairs are ongoing for other intersections and committed to restoring full functionality to all traffic lights within his first 100 days in office.

He said this initiative is part of his administration’s goal to deliver immediate and visible improvements in the daily lives of Bacolodnons.

“Ang disiplina sa dalanon begins with systems that work,” Gasataya said.

“This is just the start of ensuring smoother traffic flow and safer roads for everyone in Bacolod,” he added.

He also appealed for patience from motorists and pedestrians while repairs continue, assuring them that a more efficient traffic management system is underway.

In his first five days in office, Gasataya also inspected the city’s public plaza and flood-prone areas.

He pushed for the upgrading of the Bacolod City Public Plaza in preparation for upcoming festivities and to resolve drainage problems in several barangays.

Gasataya earlier announced that the MassKara Festival will return to the public plaza, especially the MassKara Street Dance Contest.

To prepare the venue, he ordered:

• Pruning of overgrown trees
• Removal of old or damaged Christmas lights
• Repairs to non-functional lamps
• Urgent siphoning of septic tanks and comfort room repairs
• Repainting of structures and removal of clutter
• Coordination with TIEZA for water fountain rehabilitation

The mayor personally inspected the comfort rooms and stressed the need for urgent septic tank siphoning and repairs.

“This needs to be done urgently so we can proceed with fixing the comfort rooms,” he said during the inspection.

After visiting the plaza, Gasataya turned to Barangays 10 and 2, where he found garbage-clogged waterways worsening flood risks.

He also checked the construction of a diversion channel meant to redirect water flow from a congested creek.

Joining the mayor were City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, City Engineer’s Office OIC Engr. Loben Ceballos, BENRO OIC Atty. Allyn Luv Dignadice, DRRMO Head Dr. Ma. Laarni Pornan, Building Official OIC Engr. Amy Tentia, GSO representatives, and executive assistants.

From restoring the historic public plaza to tackling drainage problems, Gasataya said beautification and basic services must go hand in hand in building a cleaner and safer Bacolod.