Bacolod Mayor Seeks Use of NHA Units for Kanlaon Evacuees

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The city government is proposing the use of unoccupied housing units under the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Barangay Felisa as a potential evacuation site for those affected by Kanlaon Volcano’s activity.

Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said the units were originally allocated for uniformed personnel, but many remain vacant.

“Why don’t we use these abandoned units?” he asked.

Ciudad Felisa, completed in 2015, has a total of 1,498 housing units.

Benitez plans to send a letter to the NHA requesting the status of these units and expressing interest in utilizing them for evacuees.

He noted that Bacolod has not signed an agreement with any specific local government unit (LGU) so it can assess which LGU requires the most assistance.

Benitez said Bacolod is ready to assist neighboring LGUs in Negros Occidental that have requested aid for evacuees.

“The city is prepared to assist and will always open its arms to our neighbors, especially those in need,” he said, adding that Bacolod continues to send relief resources to affected LGUs.

On Feb. 21, the City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (CCLDO) and the Bacolod City Cooperative Development Council (BCCDC) mobilized relief aid for residents in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. The assistance included food packs and 100 water containers from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) for safe water storage.

The Women Friendly Space at the Vista Alegre Regional Evacuation Center in Barangay Vista Alegre and the DRRMO evacuation center in Barangay Taculing are also ready to accommodate evacuees.

Benitez said the city is working closely with other LGUs and provincial authorities to develop a coordinated, long-term response plan.

He also noted that during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to La Carlota City last week, the president proposed creating a Kanlaon Task Force to streamline relief efforts.

The mayor highlighted concerns from Kanlaon-affected LGUs, which have detailed response plans but are facing depleted funding for continued evacuee support.

Officials have also discussed scouting potential permanent relocation areas, acknowledging the need for a more sustainable solution for future disasters.

“We might need a permanent plan,” Benitez said.

He assured that Bacolod remains committed to providing necessary resources to those in need.