A proposed P6 billion flood-mitigation master plan for Bacolod City has set local leadership on a mission to lock in massive financial backing from the national government.
Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez revealed on Tuesday, June 9, that he is actively lobbying national government agencies to integrate this massive funding requirement into the upcoming 2028 national budget.
Benitez presented the multi-billion peso blueprint during the 3rd and Culminating Bacolod Flood Mitigation Summit, held at Maria Kucina Maria. The event drew key city officials, national and local government agency representatives, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
To prevent fragmented and wasteful infrastructure spending, Benitez announced he has formally requested national government agencies to strictly implement only the flood control projects that align with the newly consolidated master plan.
The roadmap integrates a strategic list of short, medium, and long-term projects from extensive proposals made during two previous summits.
According to the lawmaker, full implementation of these infrastructure changes will span several years, with a significant chunk of the budget earmarked for major trouble zones—specifically the Banago and Mandalagan rivers.
The lawmaker stressed that while the financial investment is massive, the return on safety is immeasurable. He noted that the summits successfully mapped out exactly where flooding occurs and analyzed the contributing factors, paving the way for a mix of “grey” engineered structures and “green” nature-based solutions.
“This is not simply about drainage systems, pumping stations, canals, or flood control structures. It is about protecting lives,” Benitez said. “It is about protecting homes, livelihoods, businesses, and the future of our city.”
Urging stakeholders to remain vigilant even after the summit’s conclusion, Benitez stated that the roadmap successfully lays the groundwork for a safer, more sustainable Bacolod.
“Flood mitigation cannot be a one-time undertaking. It requires sustained commitment, continuous learning, and collective action,” he said.
