President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit Bacolod City on December 5, 2025, to officially launch the "Oplan Kontra Baha" program, a comprehensive initiative designed to tackle the city's persistent flooding problems.
Postponed Visit and New Schedule
According to Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, the presidential visit was originally planned for November 28 but has been rescheduled to December 5. Benitez expressed hope for an earlier available date, stating that preparations for the program launch are complete and awaiting execution.
The President's visit comes at a critical time as he is expected to assess the damage caused by Tropical Depression Verbena, which struck the city on November 25, 2025. The severe weather event triggered widespread flooding across multiple barangays, creating urgent need for intervention.
Extensive Flood Damage Assessment
Recent flooding has significantly impacted Bacolod City, with 33 out of 61 barangays affected by the tropical depression. Official records reveal the scale of devastation: 5,312 families (15,875 individuals) displaced and 103 houses completely destroyed as of November 26.
The Department of Social Services and Development identified numerous affected areas, including Bredco Port and Barangays 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 27, 31, 35, 36, 39, 40, 41, Bata, Banago, Mansilingan, Pahanocoy, Taculing, Sum-ag, Cabug, Montevista, Alijis, Singcang-Airport, Mandalagan, Estefania, Villamonte, and Tangub.
Oplan Kontra Baha Launch and Immediate Actions
While awaiting the President's visit, local authorities have already initiated preliminary actions. On November 26, the City Government and Department of Public Works and Highways-Negros Island Region launched Oplan Kontra Baha at the Bacolod City Government Center.
The high-level meeting included key figures such as Representative Benitez, DPWH Undersecretary Charles Calima Jr., Mayor Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella, city council members, barangay officials, and DPWH personnel. Discussions focused on identifying core challenges including clogged drainage systems, poor stormwater flow, silted waterways, infrastructure blockages, and inadequate waste management.
Scientific Analysis of Flood Causes
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer III Eunice Ciocon provided technical analysis, explaining that flooding resulted from accumulated water draining from upper municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto, exacerbated by high tide around 5 a.m. in low-lying Bacolod areas.
Mayor Gasataya revealed striking rainfall data, noting that Bacolod's average daily rainfall is 10 millimeters, but between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. on November 25, the city recorded 70.50 millimeters of rainfall - equivalent to a week's worth of precipitation in just four hours, not including runoff from surrounding areas.
Progressive Measures and Infrastructure Demands
Mayor Gasataya emphasized the city's proactive approach, highlighting the effective use of weather and water level monitoring equipment during Tropical Depression Verbena. He urgently requested DPWH to accelerate key projects, particularly the completion of the diversion channel along Burgos Street in the reclamation area, identified as critical for addressing flooding in the reclamation zone and Bredco Port.
The mayor also called for immediate inspections of damaged flood walls along the Lupit River and in Barangay Singcang-Airport, stressing the need for scientific solutions. Bacolod has acquired additional dredging and clearing equipment, with the last major operations conducted back in 2016-2017.
Relocation Efforts and River Warriors Deployment
In a decisive move, Mayor Gasataya issued a 30-day vacate notice for 80 houses located in Mambuloc Creek's danger zone, with discussions underway regarding suitable relocation sites. He noted challenges with previous relocation efforts, where some residents returned to hazardous areas despite being awarded new housing.
Simultaneously, Representative Benitez deployed 3,000 Tupad Program workers, now called "river warriors," for an intensive 10-day cleanup operation beginning November 27. This massive effort aims to remove approximately 2 million cubic meters of waste from rivers and creeks throughout Bacolod.
Benitez acknowledged the cleanup as a short-term solution while long-term mitigation plans continue development. He committed personal support for equipment needs, promising to assist in renting necessary machinery to expedite work. The lawmaker also urged barangay captains to establish urgent waste management guidelines to prevent future drainage problems.
The comprehensive approach combining immediate relief, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement through Oplan Kontra Baha represents a significant step toward making Bacolod more resilient against future flooding disasters.
