BACOLOD City – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited this city on December 12 to inspect the ongoing clearing and rehabilitation operations at Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 2, underscoring the national government’s strong support for Bacolod’s intensified flood control initiatives under the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Oplan Kontra Baha program.
The President’s visit follows the recent onslaught of Typhoon “Verbena,” which caused widespread flooding in the city and highlighted the urgent need for sustainable urban waterway management.
During the inspection, Marcos emphasized the importance of continuous cleaning, dredging, and waste removal in major waterways to effectively mitigate flooding.
“’Yung Oplan Kontra Baha na programa natin for big cities, sinimulan natin sa Metro Manila and then Cebu at sumunod ang Bacolod. Kagaya ng ginawa natin sa iba—’yung drainage, dredging, at pagkolekta ng basura para mabawasan ang pagbaha,” the President said.
He added, “Kapag nalinis natin lahat ng ilog, creek, at estero—matanggal lang ang basura at ma-dredge natin—ayon sa mga scientist, mababawasan ang pagbaha ng 50% to 60%. Kaya mahalaga ang programang ito na dinadala natin sa iba’t ibang lungsod.”
Marcos was welcomed by Mayor Greg Gasataya, Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, and other city and national government officials.
Benitez said the visit provided an opportunity for the President to see the city’s accomplishments since Oplan Kontra Bahawas launched.
“He’s here to inspect everything we have done since day one—from clearing drainage to cleaning the creeks—so he will be updated on what has happened. You’ve seen the accomplishments of this initiative,” Benitez said.
The congressman also briefed the President on Bacolod’s wider flood mitigation projects, including the city’s diversion channel, which still requires a pumping station to maximize its functionality.
“Manual pa na subong. During low tide, they open the floodgates; during high tide, they close it. But with a pumping station, anytime may tubig sa diversion channel, pwede na dayon ma-pump out,” he explained.
Benitez said massive clearing operations have already made a significant impact on the city’s waterways.
“Ang ginahulat ko is ang epekto sang clearing. The amount of sediments and basura nga nalimpyuhan naton will take effect sa flooding. Majority sang problema naton ang mga higko sa water outlets. Hopefully, kung mag-ulan liwat, indi na magbaha,” he added.
With combined efforts of the local and national governments, Bacolod is taking major strides in reducing flood risks and better protecting residents from the impacts of heavy rainfall and typhoons.
After inspecting Mambuloc Creek, the President proceeded to Banago Port in Barangay Banago, where he inaugurated the new Port Operations Building (POB) together with officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago, local government leaders, and port stakeholders.
Banago Port plays a vital role in passenger travel, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) operations, and the transport of key commodities including sugar, rice, and corn—critical drivers of the regional economy. It also boosts tourism access to destinations such as Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, Patag in Silay City, and Lakawon Island.
Marcos highlighted Banago Port’s expanding role as a hub of connectivity and progress in the Visayas. Since the economy reopened post-pandemic, port activity has surged, with passenger movement surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and 2024 and RoRo traffic increasing from over 66,000 vessel calls in 2019 to more than 125,000 in 2024.
The newly inaugurated POB, funded at approximately P560 million, features modern facilities designed for safer and more efficient port operations. It addresses the rising demand for future-ready port services in Bacolod. Previously, the operations office also functioned as a passenger terminal, limiting workspace for PPA staff and constraining compliance with health and safety protocols.
The new dedicated operations center now allows the existing terminal to cater exclusively to passengers. Additional upgrades include a widened causeway for smoother road access, improved vehicular flow, and a covered walkway to protect passengers from the elements.
Prior to arriving in Bacolod, the President came from Tacloban City, where he conducted an on-site inspection of the San Juanico Bridge in Barangay Cabalawan./PN
