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BACOLOD CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged to fund the proposed flood control projects of Bacolod City, Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said on Tuesday.
Benitez said that Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan also made the same promise.
The lawmaker said he has already discussed with the President the plan to build floodgates and pumping stations at strategic locations in Bacolod City’s rivers to address the flooding problems.
These crucial projects were initially slated for partial funding in this year’s national budget but, like other projects nationwide, the allocation “disappeared,” Benitez said.
“I spoke to the President, and he assured me that it would be rectified, the funds would be put back in,” he added.
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Benitez initially requested P300 million for the projects covering three rivers. Now, the scope has expanded to five rivers, meaning a larger budget will be required, he said.
“Floodgates and pumping stations are crucial components in flood control, which are urgently needed,” Benitez said.
Benitez and Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, meanwhile, ordered concerned agencies to act immediately after the flooding that occurred.
More than 5,000 Bacolod residents are affected by the flooding on Friday, the mayor said.
Benitez and Gasataya, meanwhile, convened an emergency meeting on Monday with the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Council and other concerned agencies to discuss the immediate remedies and long-term flood mitigation strategies.
Benitez instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways to immediately submit cost estimates for a proposed flood mitigation project to fast-track its implementation.
Priority measures include installing floodgates and pumping stations in vulnerable areas like Barangay Banago and Mandalagan to enhance water discharge capacity and prevent water surge
“We cannot afford to waste any more time. We must act now,” Benitez said.
Gasataya, meanwhile, said that decisive and coordinated action is needed to prevent a repeat of the recent disaster.
“We can’t wait any longer. All departments and the City Council needed to work together. Let’s have quick and real solutions. Let’s get it done,” said the mayor.
“We need to identify optimal water channels, clear obstructed floodways and launch dredging operations.”
