Negros mayors support call for flood project transparency

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Several mayors from the province of Negros Occidental have expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for transparency and accountability in all government flood control projects.

Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson, regional representative of the Negros Island Region in the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), said, “I stand with my fellow mayors in fully supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for transparency and accountability in all flood control projects.”

He also emphasized the need for long-term solutions, stating, “Let us continue seeking effective and sustainable solutions to the long-standing problem of flooding.”

“Together, we push for accountability and real action — measures that will protect our communities and ensure a more progressive future for the Filipino people,” he added.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., president of the Negros Alliance of Chief Executives (ACE), likewise backed the call for transparency and accountability in flood control projects.

Escalante stressed that it is the responsibility of public officials to uphold openness in all government activities, whether implemented by the national or local government.

“The work of a public official is to be transparent. Not only flood control projects, but all government projects should be known to the public,” Escalante said.

The push for transparency stemmed from a manifesto initiated by Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javi Benitez.

Although Escalante said the manifesto has not yet formally reached ACE, he noted that many mayors in the group have already expressed their support.

“If you have nothing to hide, why should you be afraid of having projects scrutinized?” he added.

Escalante noted that flood control projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Cadiz City have generally been effective.

He cited improvements along the Sicaba River and Gindasakan Creek as examples.

Only one project, he said, showed minor structural damage but did not obstruct water flow.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya also expressed support for efforts by the national government to review flood control projects.

He said any initiative that promotes accountability and service improvement is a welcome development.

“Any inquiry or investigation conducted by the agencies to improve services, to improve projects of the national government is a welcome move,” Gasataya said.