BACOLOD City — The city government has acquired three new heavy equipment units worth P45.4 million to strengthen its flood mitigation and river rehabilitation program, following a blessing ceremony held on February 19.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the purchase forms part of the city’s long-term strategy to address worsening siltation in major waterways, which has contributed to recurring flooding in several barangays.
The newly acquired equipment includes a crawler excavator with a super long-reach arm, a six-wheeler dump truck, and a mini amphibious excavator.
Instead of renting equipment for periodic dredging and desilting, the city opted to invest in its own machinery to ensure continuous and sustained river clearing operations.
Gasataya noted that the last major desilting or dredging activity in the city’s rivers was conducted in 2014. “After so many years, the rivers have accumulated heavy silt deposits. That is why we decided it would be more practical and efficient for the city to purchase equipment to guarantee uninterrupted operations,” he said.
Clearing operations will initially focus on rivers in Barangays Banago and Mandalagan before expanding to Lupit and Magsungay. Rehabilitation will begin at river mouths near coastal areas and gradually move upstream toward upland sections.
Studies conducted by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Engineer’s Office, and City Planning and Development Office showed that siltation remains a persistent problem requiring regular intervention.
“Siltation is constant. Removing silt does not mean it will not return,” the mayor said, citing Mambuloc Creek as an example, where silt buildup reportedly recurs every three to four weeks.
The city is also coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which has been conducting cleanup efforts in certain waterways.
Beyond desilting, the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office will implement solid waste control measures to prevent garbage from clogging rivers. Waste traps resembling large nets will be installed in strategic sections to capture floating debris.
However, Gasataya emphasized the importance of strict enforcement at the barangay level, particularly in interior and riverside communities. He said the city is studying the filing of charges against individuals allegedly caught unloading garbage from two vans along the Economic Highway, as part of its intensified campaign against illegal dumping.
With the acquisition of the new equipment, the city aims to establish a sustained, city-led river maintenance program to reduce flooding risks and improve overall environmental management./PN
