Negros Occ. lawmaker warns contractors over flood projects

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez is eyeing to blacklist contractors if they fail to make necessary repairs on two flood control projects in E.B. Magalona town and Silay City.

Benitez specifically called out Supreme ABF Construction Supply Company Inc. and Silver Graces Construction and Supply during an inspection of two flood mitigation projects on Sunday — the PHP 93.6 million Malogo River structure in Barangay Pasil, E.B. Magalona, and the PHP 96.4 million Imbang River project in Barangay Hawaiian, Silay City.

Both projects were completed between 2019 and 2020.

“If they won’t comply, they will not be involved in any of the biddings under my watch,” Benitez said in a media interview at the site.

Accompanied by District Engineer Rene Baldonado Jr. of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Talisay 1st District Engineering Office, Benitez identified minor damage in a 20-meter section of the 900-meter flood mitigation structure along Malogo River, costing an estimated PHP 300,000 to urgently repair.

“They need to repair this as soon as possible,” Benitez said, adding that the damage observed might have just occurred recently.

At the Imbang River site, he observed significant erosion and nearby garbage buildup, saying full rehabilitation is needed.

The flood control project in this area was implemented in 2020 by Supreme ABF Construction Supply Company Inc.

He confirmed these repairs will not cost the government, as contractors are obligated to shoulder the expenses.

Benitez also visited Minuluan River in Barangay 14-B, Talisay City.

While no structural damage was noted there, he recommended dredging to address persistent flooding issues.

In July, 2,130 families were affected by flooding in 10 villages in Talisay City, including Barangay 14-B, due to heavy rains.

The congressman emphasized that ongoing inspections are covering flood control projects dating back to 2016.

Initial findings show no major problems, but assessments are still underway.

“The rest of the projects are so far okay, but if there’s anything, we encouraged the public to report so it will be addressed,” the lawmaker said.

Benitez’s father, Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, and uncle, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, previously served as 3rd District representatives from 2010 to 2019 and 2019 to 2024, respectively.

Benitez announced a Flood Mitigation Summit on Sept. 14 to be attended by local government units (LGUs), stakeholders, and Mahar Lagmay of Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (Project NOAH), who will assist in assessing long-term solutions to district-wide flooding.

He urged the public to report idle or poorly implemented government projects for evaluation and encouraged community vigilance in flood-prone areas.

“Let’s be vigilant, and take a look in your own areas. Let’s work together with local governments to solve these issues,” he said.