Gasataya inspects drainage, public plaza

BACOLOD City Mayor Greg Gasataya has inspected the drainage along Reclamation Area and Mambulok Creek in Barangays 10 and 12 on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

“What we saw was heartbreaking. Our drainages are completely clogged by debris and trash and were not connected to the city’s diversion channel, leaving entire areas vulnerable to flooding,” Gasataya said.

"We cannot allow this to continue," he added.

The mayor noted that they will start the clearing of debris that clogged the drainages along Barangay 12 so that it can function within a week.

Gasataya also ordered the dredging at Mambuloc Creek to widen the waterways and remove the garbage in the area.

He said they will also begin connecting the local drainage system at the Reclamation Area to the diversion channel to create a more efficient drainage network and address the area's flooding problem.

“We will not wait for a hazard to remind us of what should have been done. This is more than infrastructure, this about the safety and dignity of every Bacolodnon. Let’s continue to help each other,” Gasataya said.

Aside from the drainage, the mayor also inspected the Bacolod public plaza for the upcoming festivities in the city.

In preparation for the MassKara Festival in October, Gasataya ordered the pruning of overgrown trees, removal of old or damaged Christmas lights, repair of non-functional lamps to improve nighttime lighting, urgent siphoning of septic tanks, and repair of comfort rooms.

The mayor also ordered the repainting of structures and removal unnecessary objects at the public plaza, and coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) for water fountain rehabilitation.

From restoring the historic Bacolod Public Plaza to easing drainage problems, Gasataya disclosed that both beautification and basic services must go hand in hand in building a cleaner and safer Bacolod for all. (MAP)