Negros Occidental explores new flood response strategies

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — With flooding continuing to batter Negros Occidental during heavy and prolonged rains, the provincial government is eyeing alternative ways to reduce risks and improve disaster response instead of relying solely on flood control projects.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II told reporters on Wednesday that the province is strengthening its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program by building up the capacity of responders and equipping communities in flood-prone areas.

Among the measures being rolled out are the installation of siren-based barangay early warning systems in communities near rivers and the slopes of Mt. Kanlaon, he said.

“Once danger is detected, the alarms will sound, giving residents five to 10 minutes to move to safer ground. That is where we have focused our disaster funds,” Diaz explained.

He also said the province is expanding its 911 system, with all local government units expected to have ambulances and trained teams to respond to medical emergencies, vehicular accidents, and incidents of violence.

Prepositioned personnel and assets will ensure faster response times, Diaz added.

Despite these efforts, Diaz stressed that Negros Occidental has yet to receive direct provincial flood control projects, either from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) or through its own initiatives.

However, data from the government portal isumbongsapangulo.ph showed that since 2022, the province has been allocated PHP10.78 billion worth of flood control projects across 23 towns and cities.

Bacolod City topped the list with 47 projects, followed by Binalbagan with 29, and Victorias City and Silay City with 16 each.

Other localities received fewer projects, with some towns having only one or two.

Still, the southwest monsoon, intensified by tropical storms, has exacted a heavy toll.

As of July 28, floods have caused at least PHP55 million in agricultural losses, damaging rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and poultry.

Eighteen towns and cities have been affected, displacing 47,444 families or 178,781 individuals.

At least 41 houses were destroyed, while 308 sustained partial damage.

Diaz said the government’s focus remains on readiness and resilience.

“We cannot stop the rains from coming, but we can give our people the tools, time, and support to survive and recover,” he stressed.