In a powerful address to the Bacolod City Council, Councilor Caesar Distrito has issued a urgent call for action following the devastating floods that submerged large parts of the city. The unprecedented flooding was triggered by a series of severe weather disturbances, including Typhoon Tino, Typhoon Uwan, and the most recent, Typhoon Verbena.
Widespread Impact and Immediate Crisis
During his privileged speech delivered on Wednesday afternoon, November 16, 2025, Distrito revealed the extensive damage caused by the overflowing of major river systems. The Magsungay, Lupit, Banago, and Mandalagan Rivers all burst their banks, destroying floodwalls, eroding riverbanks, and submerging countless homes.
The councilor described scenes of desperation, particularly in Purok Mars, Barangay Singcang-Airport, where families were forced to seek refuge on their roofs as floodwaters rose rapidly. Coastal barangays throughout Bacolod were similarly severely affected, leaving many residents struggling for safety.
Root Causes and Legislative Solutions
Distrito directly linked the disaster to the escalating effects of climate change and environmental degradation. He pointed to the loss of forest cover in upland areas, which has weakened watersheds and exacerbated flooding conditions. The councilor also criticized persistent problems with improper waste disposal, noting that garbage continues to clog vital waterways.
As long-term solutions, Distrito pushed for five key legislative measures:
- The Bacolod City Evacuation Centers Management System
- Bacolod River Restoration and Reforestation Program
- A Permanent Emergency Food Stockpile
- Mandatory Barangay Climate Resilience Plans
- Strengthened Drainage and Flood Mitigation Ordinances
These proposals align with the Flood Summit led by Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and the rollout of Oplan Kontra Baha. Distrito recommended expanding these initiatives to include cleanup operations on roads affected by mud and debris.
Response Efforts and Critical Gaps
While acknowledging the coordinated response of the City Government led by Mayor Greg Gasataya, along with multiple agencies including DSSD, DSWD, CDRRMO, and barangay officials, Distrito highlighted significant gaps in relief distribution.
He revealed that in Barangay Singcang-Airport, only 1,200 food packs had been distributed to 5,800 affected families, leaving many without ready-to-eat food after losing their cookware. The councilor urged DSWD to increase food prepositioning and ensure all affected families receive assistance.
Distrito also called for faster infrastructure repairs, urging the City Engineer's Office to fast-track repairs to the damaged Magsungay–Barangay 35 footbridge and accelerate drainage improvements from JR Torres Subdivision to Zone 4 Calong-Calong. He requested DPWH to repair damaged floodwalls in Purok Mars, Purok Tahong, Purok Kabulakan 1, and other identified areas.
The councilor welcomed Mayor Gasataya's announcement regarding the arrival of a dredger to restore river depth and help prevent future overflows. He also expressed hope that ongoing flushing operations along Araneta Street would extend to other affected roads.
Addressing health concerns, Distrito recommended wider distribution of anti-leptospirosis medicines like doxycycline to combat disease risks following the flooding.
In a strongly worded criticism, Distrito condemned the Social Security System for excluding Bacolod City and the Negros Island Region from its calamity loan program, despite the declared state of calamity and Proclamation 1077 placing the country under a national state of calamity. He described this exclusion as "illegal and unacceptable".
"We need to improve disaster preparedness and strengthen long-term mitigation measures," Distrito emphasized, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive action in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.
