Gasataya orders coastal inspection, vows fair housing plan

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered a comprehensive inspection of the city’s coastline following growing concerns from fisherfolk and urban poor groups over the environmental impact of ongoing man-made developments.

The directive came after a dialogue on Oct. 21, 2025, at the Bacolod City Government Center between city officials, the Bacolod Against Reclamation Movement (BARM), and representatives of the urban poor sector.

Alberto Bucado, chairman of BARM-Bacolod, said reclamation and restoration activities along the Purok Sibucao shoreline have allegedly worsened flooding and disrupted local fishing livelihoods since operations began two years ago.

He added that the situation has reignited public opposition to previous proposals to reclaim around 1,000 hectares of coastal land in Barangays Banago 1 and 2 through a Public-Private Partnership scheme.

Gasataya assured stakeholders that on-site inspections will be conducted not only in Banago but also along the coastlines of Barangays Pahanocoy and Sum-ag to assess environmental and social impacts.

Fisherfolk also raised concern over continued construction at the mouth of the Sum-ag River, despite a court ruling that found an engineer guilty of environmental violations tied to a resort project in the area.

“It feels like a thorn has been removed from our chest after the mayor took the time to listen to our concerns,” Bucado said.

Beyond coastal issues, urban poor groups raised fears of displacement involving thousands of informal settlers in 10 identified public lands as the city begins the land patent application process through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Berlita Ante, secretary-general of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay)–Negros, called for amending the existing memorandum of agreement between the city and the DENR to safeguard the rights of current residents.

In response, Gasataya announced plans to establish a tripartite agreement among the city government, homeowners’ associations, and the DENR to ensure no legitimate dwellers are displaced during land titling and processing.

He tasked Bacolod Housing Authority Head Ma. Victoria Parrenas to coordinate closely with all parties in crafting fair and sustainable solutions for the affected communities.

“We are fortunate to have sat down with the mayor, and we look forward to seeing the realization of what we have planned and discussed,” Ante said.

Gasataya reaffirmed his commitment to social equity and inclusive governance by vowing to assist lot awardees in city relocation sites.

He said he will propose an amendment to City Ordinance No. 1040, or the Homelot Ordinance, to extend the payment deadline for awarded lots by three to five years.

“I can’t do it all at once or within a month, but I want to be honest with you — this is the direction we’re taking,” Gasataya said.

“There may be misunderstandings along the way, but communication is key. I want everyone to understand clearly our approach to public lands and community welfare.”

The mayor also said he plans to initiate dialogue with law enforcement agencies to address reports of alleged red-tagging involving members of progressive organizations in Bacolod.

He added that he will coordinate with the Committee on Slaughterhouse to review a proposed salary adjustment for AVM Bernardo Slaughterhouse employees in Barangay Handumanan.

The adjustment may be funded through reasonable changes in slaughter fees, as recommended by the workers’ union.

Gasataya emphasized that his administration’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders reflects its commitment to transparency, dialogue, and people-centered governance.

He said the city aims to ensure that development moves forward alongside environmental protection and social justice.