BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya appealed for public cooperation after 26,105 kilograms of waste composed of household trash and plastic debris were recovered from Mambuloc Creek here during a major dredging operation on Thursday, July 10.

Gasataya supervised the operation that underlined the importance of community involvement in ongoing flood control efforts focused in vulnerable areas like Barangays 2, 8, and 10.

While infrastructure plays a vital role, the mayor emphasized that sustainable results depend on residents doing their part.

Gasataya reiterated that flooding will persist unless residents stop dumping garbage into waterways.

“We can clean this today, but if people keep throwing trash, nothing will change,” Gasataya said. “Cooperation is key.”

He noted that civic participation remains critical to long-term success.

To maintain the creek’s cleanliness, the city will install catch nets and implement other preventive measures.

Gasataya reminded the public that keeping waterways clean is a shared responsibility and urged everyone to participate in preserving the environment.