BACOLOD City — In response to the threat of Tropical Depression (TD) “Verbena,” both the Bacolod City government and the provincial government of Negros Occidental have stepped up preparations to ensure public safety.
As of 2 p.m. on November 24, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city conducted a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) to ensure readiness for the approaching storm. Bacolod is currently under blue alert, with all response units on standby to mobilize at a moment’s notice.
The City Engineer’s Office has deployed teams to clear and remove obstructions from culverts as a precaution. Mayor Gasataya also encouraged barangays to prepare for rapid response efforts.
Meanwhile, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson issued Executive Order No. 25-24 directing pre-emptive evacuation of residents in high-risk areas. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) recommended evacuation in flood-, landslide-, and storm-surge-prone zones.
In line with these measures, all local government units in the province, including Bacolod City, have suspended face-to-face classes for all levels in public and private schools./PN
