In a decisive move to accelerate recovery efforts, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has mobilized job order (JO) personnel from various city departments to bolster clearing operations in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino. This strategic deployment aims to address the widespread debris and obstructions hindering access across the city's neighborhoods.
Coordinated Response for Faster Recovery
Following a coordination meeting with department heads, Mayor Gasataya announced the integration of JO workers into the city's post-typhoon rehabilitation framework. The primary focus is on fast-tracking clearing operations, particularly in interior roads and subdivisions that remain blocked. The mayor emphasized that these personnel will handle manageable obstructions like fallen branches, debris, and blocked access points in affected barangays, complementing the larger-scale work of primary agencies.
Inter-Departmental Clusters and Damage Assessment
To ensure a systematic approach, the city has established eight inter-departmental clearing clusters. These teams comprise personnel from the City Administrator's Office, City Legal Office, City Engineer's Office (CEO), Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (Benro), City Health Office, General Services Office, Public Order and Safety Office, and other partner agencies. Each cluster has been assigned specific zones within Bacolod to clear debris, remove fallen trees, and restore safe public access.
The scale of the typhoon's impact is significant. Official reports confirm that Typhoon Tino uprooted 278 trees across the city. At the storm's peak, approximately 29,000 residents sought safety in evacuation centers. On the utilities front, the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) has successfully restored 80 percent of electricity services, while PrimeWater has achieved a 70 percent restoration rate for water services.
Path to Formal Calamity Declaration and Public Appeal
The city's disaster council took a critical step on November 5, 2025, when the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC) recommended declaring a state of calamity. Mayor Gasataya has endorsed this recommendation to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. This declaration would authorize a price freeze on essential goods and unlock emergency funds for the most affected barangays and displaced families.
Mayor Gasataya expressed profound gratitude to the frontliners, barangay officials, and partner agencies for their unwavering dedication. "We are maximizing every available manpower to make sure Bacolod recovers faster," the mayor stated, highlighting the vital role of job order personnel in ensuring every street and public space is safe. He also urged Bacolodnons to remain vigilant and to report any lingering hazards or debris to their barangay offices or the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) hotlines as the citywide restoration continues.
