BACOLOD City – The local government unit (LGU) here has distributed shelter and relief assistance to displaced families from Barangay 2 as part of its commitment to help them build safe and permanent homes at a designated relocation site.
On January 15, Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed gratitude to the 37 families from Purok Balinday for their voluntary and peaceful relocation. He noted that many of the families had lived in the area for decades, facing recurring risks during storms and other calamities. Each household received P10,000 in financial assistance to help support their move.
Based on records from the Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA), only 20 of the 37 displaced families qualified for relocation assistance, as some had previously availed of relocation programs while others were renters.
During the demolition on January 15, 2026, the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) provided specialized equipment to assist in dismantling existing structures and hauling materials. The demolition followed Notices to Vacate issued in October 2025, which were later extended upon the residents’ request.
Mayor Gasataya led the distribution of shelter and relief assistance to the 20 qualified families from Purok Balinday on January 24 at Progreso Village Relocation Site II (PVRS II) in Barangay Vista Alegre.
The distribution forms part of the city government’s ongoing initiative to relocate residents from high-risk areas, particularly those living along Mambuloc Creek and in coastal zones prone to flooding and other natural hazards.
Each beneficiary received 10 pieces of colored galvanized iron sheets and a butane stove to help them begin constructing their homes. The families also received food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), containing rice, canned goods, coffee, and beverage sachets, along with kitchen kits with essential cooking and dining utensils.
To further assist the resettled families, Mayor Gasataya announced that the city government will shoulder the P1,600 water connection fee for each household. He also said that solar lights will be prioritized in the relocation site to ensure safety while permanent electrical and infrastructure facilities are still being developed.
During a recent site inspection, city officials observed that most relocation lots were already prepared, with several families having started constructing their houses. The city government committed to holding further consultations with beneficiaries to discuss additional assistance for site preparation and housing development.
One beneficiary, Mary Ann Venales, expressed her gratitude to the city government, saying the assistance gave her renewed hope of finally owning a home in a safe and secure environment.
Mayor Gasataya assured the families that the city government will continue to honor its commitments, emphasizing that the relocation program is a crucial step in protecting lives and ensuring long-term safety.
The initiative is part of Bacolod City’s broader housing, flood mitigation, and public safety efforts. The city government also urged barangays to help maintain waterways and prevent the reconstruction of illegal structures in danger zones to reduce flood risks and protect communities./PN
