Bacolod to relocate people living near creeks
Published Jul 21, 2025 06:40 pm
BACOLOD CITY – The city government is planning to relocate families living near creeks and rivers to reduce flood risks in this highly-urbanized city.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA) has been tasked to identify relocation sites, following assessments by relevant departments that identified high-risk areas for flooding.
MAYOR Greg Gasataya presents a portion of the city’s northern area affected by flooding, along with the section slated for clearing to help resolve the issue. (Glazyl Masculino)
City Engineer Loben Rafael Ceballos noted that illegal structures on Banago Creek in Barangay Banago and homes near Mambuloc Creek’s outfalls in Barangay 8 are contributing to waterway blockages.
Over 50 families from Barangay 8 are expected to be moved, with final numbers to be confirmed by the BHA, Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).
Gasataya emphasized short-term solutions like clearing garbage and debris in areas like Banago, where clogged bridges were found to cause flooding. “That is urgent and doable to do,” he said.
He cited plans for medium-term infrastructure improvements in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez, especially near river mouths and drainage systems.
Flood-prone areas in the northern part under close watch were Barangays Mandalagan, 1, 2, 6, 8, Banago, Bata, and Villamonte.
The mayor urged public cooperation in proper waste disposal, calling urban flooding a shared challenge in many cities.
“This is a wake-up call. Nature is sending a message,” he said.
However, he said that this should not be used as a justification, but as a reminder of the big challenges ahead. “This is not to justify the situation, but to open our eyes and we need each and everyone’s support,” he added.
Heavy rains from tropical depression “Crising” and the southwest monsoon recently caused flooding, affecting 76 families while 15 homes in three barangays – Granada, Sum-ag, and Tangub – were partially damaged.
At least 4,764 families were affected by severe flooding due to heavy rains.
All validated households with damaged houses are eligible for P10,000 assistance each. No evacuation was needed as the homes remain partly usable, according to DSSD head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga.