Benitez says Bacolod flood solution needs united effort

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Albee Benitez said the city’s flooding problem requires collective effort and public participation.

“Flooding is not a problem that government alone can solve. It will take the collective will and participation of every Bacolodnon. Together, we can build a city that is safer, stronger, and more resilient for generations to come,” Benitez said.

He added that the Bacolod Flood Control Summit marked a major step in the city’s united effort to address one of its most persistent challenges — flooding.

The initiative brings together national agencies, local officials, the private sector, civil society, and experts to craft a long-term, data-driven flood mitigation plan for Bacolod.

“The Flood Control Summit is a vital step toward a unified, data-driven approach to solve Bacolod’s flooding challenges and ensure lasting protection for our communities,” said Benitez, who spearheaded the event.

He emphasized that the summit goes beyond mere discussions.

“The Bacolod Flood Control Summit is about more than discussions. It’s about uniting all sectors to understand the problem, align our data, and build real, lasting solutions for Bacolod,” he said.

During the first session, representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), led by Undersecretary Charles Calima, along with officials from DENR, PAGASA, DOST, NIA, DHSUD, DILG, and other agencies, shared technical assessments on rainfall patterns, climate impacts, the condition of waterways, and the state of existing flood control structures.

These insights, combined with contributions from the city government, barangay leaders, the academe, and civic organizations, helped form a clearer picture of Bacolod’s flooding challenges, Benitez said.

He added that this phase serves as the baseline for identifying flood-prone areas, understanding their causes, and aligning all available data for future interventions.

In November, the summit will move to its next phase, where stakeholders will present concrete proposals and coordinated interventions aimed at forming a comprehensive flood control master plan, Benitez said.

“The first session of the Bacolod Flood Mitigation Summit allowed us to take a closer look at the full picture of our city’s flooding challenges. Together, we continue building the foundation for a long-term, data-driven flood control master plan that will protect Bacolod for generations to come,” he said.

He expressed optimism that through cooperation and evidence-based planning, the summit will lead to the right solutions.

“We are optimistic about finding the right solution through this summit,” Benitez added.