Bacolod to relocate creekside homes to ease flooding

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya announced Monday that the city government is planning to relocate residents living near creeks and rivers as part of its flood mitigation efforts.

In a press briefing, Gasataya said he has instructed the Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA) to identify and prepare a relocation site following assessments that flagged high-risk areas for flooding.

City Engineer Loben Rafael Ceballos confirmed that initial targets include homes near Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 8 and Banago Creek in Barangay Banago.

Ceballos said illegal structures have been built along waterways in Banago, while some homes near Mambuloc Creek outfalls are contributing to blockages and increasing flood risks.

In Barangay 8 alone, more than 50 families are expected to be relocated.

Final numbers will be determined by the BHA in coordination with the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), he said.

Ceballos added that other identified flood-prone areas are frequently submerged during heavy rains and require immediate action.

“Mahalin gid sila (They need to vacate the area),” he said.

Gasataya said a short-term solution includes intensified garbage collection and clearing of waste, especially in Banago, where bridge blockages were identified as a key cause of flooding.

“That is urgent and doable,” he added.

For mid-term solutions, the city is working with the Department of Public Works and Highways and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez on anti-flood projects near river mouths and drainage systems.

Gasataya said areas being monitored include the Mandalagan River in Barangay Mandalagan and Barangays 1, 2, 6, 8, Banago, Bata, and Villamonte.

“There’s so much to do to address flooding, particularly in the northern part of the city,” he said.

The mayor urged the public to cooperate in proper garbage disposal, emphasizing that urban flooding is not unique to Bacolod but also affects other highly urbanized areas.

“This is probably a wake-up call. Nature is sending a message to all of us,” he said.

However, he clarified that this should not be used as an excuse but as motivation to take action.

“This is not to justify the situation, but to open our eyes — and we need everyone’s support,” he said.

The city earlier launched dredging operations following severe flooding caused by heavy rains more than a week ago, which affected 4,764 families in northern Bacolod.

Gasataya cited the DRRMO’s assessment that rainfall levels had increased significantly, with rain volume in the northern part of the city reaching three to four times the usual levels.

In its latest report, the DSSD said 76 families sought temporary shelter in evacuation centers due to flooding brought by tropical depression Crising and the southwest monsoon.

These included 25 evacuees in Barangay Cabug, 15 in Barangay 27, and 21 in Barangay Villamonte.

Other affected families are still being validated by barangay officials for further aid.

DSSD head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said 15 partially damaged houses were reported in Barangays Granada, Sum-ag, and Tangub due to strong winds, fallen trees, and flooding.

Barangay Granada had the most reported cases with 12 damaged houses.

All validated households are eligible for PHP10,000 in financial assistance.

No evacuations were necessary in those areas, as the homes remain partially livable, Mangga said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Benitez has directed the DPWH to immediately submit cost estimates for a proposed flood mitigation project to expedite its implementation.