BACOLOD CITY - Severe flooding triggered by Tropical Depression "Verbena" has forced nearly 1,700 residents from their homes in various barangays across Bacolod City, according to official reports released Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025.
Mass Evacuation and Relief Efforts
Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) records confirmed that 398 families comprising 1,689 individuals have been displaced as of 8 a.m. Tuesday. The affected residents come from multiple areas including Bredco Port, Barangays 2, 3, 10, 14, 18, 35, 36, Bata, Banago, Mansilingan, Pahanocoy, Taculing, Sum-ag, Cabug, Montevista, Alijis, and Singcang-Airport.
Emergency response teams have been actively providing assistance to flood victims. The DSSD together with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) distributed relief packs to affected families now temporarily housed in various evacuation centers throughout the city.
Adding to the relief efforts, the office of Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez delivered essential food packs to multiple flood-affected barangays, ensuring immediate support reaches those most impacted by the severe weather conditions.
Government Response and Work Suspension
Both the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City government suspended work on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, due to the severe weather conditions brought by Tropical Depression Verbena.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced the suspension of work at the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, citing the dangerous weather conditions. However, he emphasized that offices involved in emergency response, disaster risk reduction and management, health and social welfare services, maintenance of peace and order, and other essential services would continue operations to ensure public safety and welfare.
In Bacolod City, Mayor Greg Gasataya implemented work suspension in government offices pursuant to Executive Order 74-A. The suspension came as Bacolod City was placed under Red Alert status due to Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1 raised because of Tropical Depression Verbena.
Mayor Gasataya clarified that while regular government operations were suspended, offices providing basic, vital, and health services, along with those handling preparedness and response duties, must continue functioning to maintain essential government services. The city government also encouraged private companies to consider suspending work, leaving the decision to the discretion of their respective heads.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has been conducting rescue operations in affected areas, including Purok Mars, Barangay Singcang-Airport. Emergency teams continue to monitor the situation as heavy rains and strong winds persist across the region.
Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas remain on high alert as weather authorities continue to track Tropical Depression Verbena's movement and potential impact on Negros Occidental.
