Bacolod solon: Marcos promised to reinstate flood control funds

BACOLOD CITY — Following the floods that recently hit this capital city of Negros Occidental, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged funds to support this city’s flood mitigation efforts, Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said on Monday, July 14.

Benitez said the President also assured that the funds for crucial flood control projects slated for partial funding this year but which “disappeared” in the national budget would be “rectified” and be put back in.

The lawmaker said he had discussed with the President constructing floodgates and pumping stations at Bacolod’s rivers to address the flooding problem.

These projects were initially slated for partial funding in this year’s national budget but like other projects nationwide, the allocation reportedly “disappeared,” according to Benitez.

“So I spoke to the President and he assured me that it would be rectified. The funds would be put back in,” he said.

READ: Negros cities to intensify dredging after floods cause 17,000 to evacuate

Benitez said he initially requested P300 million for floodgates and pumping stations covering three rivers here. But now that the scope had been expanded to cover five rivers, a larger budget will be required, he said.

Floodgates and pumping stations are crucial components in flood control, which are urgently needed, Benitez said.

He said Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan also expressed the same commitment.

Benitez and Mayor Greg Gasataya have directed government agencies to take immediate action following the widespread flooding that occurred in Bacolod City on the night of Friday, July 11, which affected more than 5,000 Bacolod residents, the Bacolod City communications office said on Monday, July 14.

The two leaders convened an emergency meeting with the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Council and key response units to discuss immediate remedies and long-term flood mitigation strategies. Those who were in the meeting included the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Bacolod City District Engineering Office, the Bacolod City Engineering Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bacolod City Police Office.

Benitez instructed the DPWH to immediately submit cost estimates for a proposed flood mitigation project to fast-track its implementation.

Priority measures include installing floodgates and pumping stations in vulnerable areas like Banago and Mandalagan to enhance water discharge capacity and prevent water surges.

“We cannot afford to waste any more time. We must act now,” Benitez said.

Gasataya echoed this call, stressing the need for decisive and coordinated action to prevent a repeat of the recent disaster. “We can’t wait any longer. All departments and the City Council need to work together. Let’s have quick and real solutions. Let’s get it done,” Gasataya urged.

The meeting also addressed critical drainage improvements, including :

• Identifying optimal water channels
• Clearing obstructed floodways
• Emergency dredging operations for the Mandalagan shoreline and Banago River

On Sunday afternoon, the mayor dispatched a team from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to drain floodwaters from Purok Katilingban in Barangay Banago, where 132 families live. /das