BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez and Mayor Greg Gasataya have ordered swift and coordinated action from government agencies following the severe flooding in this highly-urbanized city over the weekend that affected about 5,000 residents and displaced around 441 families.

The two leaders convened an emergency meeting with the City Disaster Risk Reduction Council, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), City Engineering Office, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bacolod City Police Office to discuss immediate remedies and long-term flood mitigation strategies at the Bacolod City Government Center on Monday, July 14.

Benitez directed the DPWH to immediately submit cost estimates for a proposed flood mitigation project to fast-track its implementation. “We cannot afford to waste any more time. We must act now,” the lawmaker said.

Among the top priorities were the installation of floodgates and pumping stations in high-risk areas such as Barangays Banago and Mandalagan to enhance water discharge capacity and prevent water surge, emergency dredging of the Mandalagan shoreline and Banago River, clearing and identifying critical drainage pathways, and addressing blockages in floodways and drainage outfalls.

Dredging began Monday in the northern areas of this city, particularly in Barangays Bata, Banago, and Mandalagan, which were hardest hit.

The city has started clearing drainages at Santa Clara Subdivision and parts of Barangays Bata and Mandalagan and Circumferential Road near Barangay Banago blocked by silt, garbage, and other debris.

Gasataya said that the meeting was a commitment to and underscored the need for decisive and unified action. “We can’t wait any longer. All departments and the City Council must work together for quick and real solutions,” he said.

The city government acknowledged that flooding stemmed from urbanization, clogged drainage, and uncollected waste.

Gasataya emphasized that even with mitigation projects, zero flooding cannot be guaranteed, but water subsidence and flow can be greatly improved.

He called on the public to stop the “blame game” and instead cooperate in waste management and community action. “We cannot allow this to happen again. Let’s stop the blame game. Let's get it done,” the mayor said.

Initially, P300 million was allocated under the 2025 General Appropriations Act for the construction of three floodgates for the Mandalagan, Lupit, and Magsungay Rivers – each estimated at P100 million. However, Benitez, who was then the city mayor revealed that this allocation was unexpectedly scrapped earlier this year.

“I did speak to the President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.). He will rectify the funds and put it back. But we’re asking for a little bit more so that it can cover all five rivers,” Benitez stated, referring to the Banago and Sum-ag Rivers.

Benitez said he is closely working with DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who has expressed commitment to supporting the project.

City leaders are pushing for sustained, long-term infrastructure solutions, greater coordination, and accountability not just from the government, but from the public as well.

“This is an urgent matter,” Benitez and Gasataya reiterated. “We owe it to the people of Bacolod to act swiftly and decisively.”