Bacolod mayor urges residents to help fight flooding

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya has called on Bacolodnons to help address the city’s flooding problem in their own ways.

Gasataya on Friday personally joined a massive cleanup drive at Banago Creek, one of the city’s most clogged waterways.

He said he participated in the effort “because Bacolod is — and always will be — my home.”

“Aside from being a public servant, I am also a father, a neighbor, and a Bacolodnon who, just like all of us, wants a safer, cleaner place for our families to live in,” he said.

Gasataya added, “This is why we encouraged our fellow public servants to join our cause — to reclaim our peace of mind from the anxiety that every rainy season brings.”

He said the city government is not acting alone in this initiative.

Workers and leaders from various barangays, departments, and agencies joined forces for the cleanup, showing that “we are stronger when we move together as one.”

“We don’t need titles to make a difference,” Gasataya said.

“All it takes are willing hands and hearts that truly care,” he added.

In an earlier press conference, the mayor said solving Bacolod’s flooding issue is among his top priorities.

He cited clogged waterways as a key cause of flooding across the city.

Gasataya emphasized that improving garbage collection is essential, since trash is the primary cause of drainage blockages.

He also expressed hope for stronger national government support for Bacolod’s environmental and flood control programs.

The recent flooding, he said, highlighted the urgent need for long-term infrastructure and environmental solutions.

“This is where we need help the most,” Gasataya said.

He identified poor waste disposal and blocked drainage as major contributors to the city’s flood problem.

Gasataya also underscored the importance of the city’s diversion channel project, which remains non-operational due to missing infrastructure such as a pump gate and floodgate.

While garbage collection is a local responsibility, he said national support is crucial to sustain long-term environmental efforts amid increasing challenges.

Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, an initial PHP300 million has been allocated for the construction of three floodgates — PHP100 million each — for the Mandalagan, Lupit, and Magsungay rivers.