BACOLOD City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez is planning to convene a flood control summit following the heavy floods that struck the city and nearby areas in July 2025.
“To address the flooding in our city, we are spearheading the convening of a flood control summit to bring Bacolod city residents and those from surrounding areas, national and local government and officials, contractors, and experts together to discuss and to resolve to adopt real, doable solutions,” Benitez said in a statement released over the weekend.
In July 2025, several barangays in Bacolod City and other cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental were flooded due to heavy rains triggered by the southwest monsoon or habagat.
“Given the continued risks posed by flooding to our home, it is only right to demand accountability and ensure that those behind failed or inadequate projects are punished. But to solve this recurring problem, we must recognize that accountability alone will not keep our communities safe,” Benitez said.
He said this is the reason why they are spearheading the convening of a flood control summit.
“We cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results. Even if I am now Congressman and no longer mayor, l continues to keep watch over the projects in our city,” he added.
The lawmaker noted that flooding is a problem that affects all of individuals.
“This summit is not about pointing fingers. It is about rolling up our sleeves and putting our heads together to find concrete ways to protect lives, homes, and livelihoods. Because at the end of the day, we are all part of the solution, and if we do not act, no one else will,” Benitez said. (MAP)