BACOLOD City — A member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is pushing for five legislative measures as long-term solutions to address the persistent flooding problem in the city.
Councilor Caesar Distrito outlined the proposals during his privilege speech at the regular SP session last Wednesday, November 26. These measures include the Bacolod City Evacuation Centers Management System, the Bacolod River Restoration and Reforestation Program, a Permanent Emergency Food Stockpile, Mandatory Barangay Climate Resilience Plans, and strengthened Drainage and Flood Mitigation Ordinances.
Distrito said these initiatives complement the Flood Summit led by Lone District Congressman Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and the rollout of Oplan Kontra Baha, recommending its expansion to include massive cleanup of roads clogged with mud and debris.
He also acknowledged ongoing flushing operations along Araneta Street, led by the city government under Mayor Greg Gasataya, and called for their expansion to other affected roads and streets.
The councilor emphasized the urgency of action following unprecedented flooding triggered by consecutive storms and typhoons—including “Tino,” “Uwan,” and the latest, “Verbena”—that severely impacted the city.
Distrito described the flooding as “alarming and life-threatening,” citing communities along the Magsungay, Lupit, Banago, and Mandalagan Rivers, as well as coastal barangays, as the worst-hit areas. He recounted how families in Purok Mars were forced to seek refuge on rooftops to escape rising waters.
He urged the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to hasten the repair of the damaged Magsungay–Barangay 35 footbridge and accelerate drainage works from JR Torres Subdivision to Zone 4 Calong-Calong. Distrito also called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately repair damaged floodwalls in Purok Mars, Purok Tahong, Purok Kabulakan 1, and other vulnerable areas, highlighting the life-threatening risks posed by heavy rains.
Raising concerns about relief efforts, Distrito noted that many evacuees lacked ready-to-eat food after losing cooking equipment to the floods. He urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to increase food prepositioning and ensure immediate, non-selective distribution to all affected families. He cited Barangay Singcang as an example, where only 1,200 food packs reached 5,800 affected families.
“We appeal to the DSWD to provide food packs to all flood victims, as reported by the DSWD,” he said./PN
