By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
THE MASSIVE flooding in 16 Bacolod City barangays due to Ryphoon “Egay” on Tuesday, July 25, blemished anew the city’s image.
Dubbed as “baha-mass” in newest street lingo, such an “unwanted occurrence” necessitated Mayor Albee Benitez to convene the city’s Task Force Baha on Thursday, July 27.
Task Force Baha is a multi-sectoral group that includes, among others, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPHW) and the private sector.
The mayor asked both DPWH and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to identify all the obstructions in the city’s waterways because these are among the contributory factors to the “baha-mass”.
Flooding in the city, especially the neck-deep floodwaters in barangays Pahanocoy and Singcang-Airport, is getting scary.
STATE OF CALAMITY
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), on the other hand, is mulling to declare both Pahanocoy and Singcang-Airport under the state of calamity. Flooding in these villages was unexpected.
Fourteen other barangays were flooded – 2, 26, 27, 31, 38, 39, 41 Taculing, Mansilingan, Sum-ag, Alijis, Tangub, Cabug, and Punta Taytay.
Based on the consolidated report of the CDRRMO, a total of 999 families ( involving 3,378 individuals) were affected by the “baha-mass”.
Also, a certain Victor Moreno Jr., a 22-year-old construction worker at Singcang-Airport, reportedly drowned in floodwaters.
‘FLOATING CITY’
Also, to be called a “Floating City” is another worst tag for Bacolod. Really, it’s bad for the city’s investment and tourism campaign. Mayor Albee must act now to dispense this unpleasant branding against the “City of Smiles”.
In what way?
He must have focus on beating basura. Let it be known that in 2021, Bacolod had an average daily volume of garbage of 1,436.13 cubic meters. It was 40 percent higher compared to 2016.
Lately, it was known that the Benitez administration allotted P960,000 just for the conduct of a waste analysis and characterization. Such a move is in partnership with the Solid Waste Management Association of the Philippines (SWAPP).
The mayor said, “This study would enable them to identify and implement effective waste management interventions based on reliable and accurate data. This one of our steps towards a cleaner, greener and better Bacolod.”
However, this study might take time. Bacolodnons, especially the flood victims, can’t wait for another month or another year for government to address flooding.
‘BASURA’ CHALLENGE
Well, it’s been a year since Mayor Albee assumed office. His “very promise”: “CHANGE” in Bacolod.
Sad to say, Bacolod remains the same when we talk about garbage or basura.
The “basura challenge” is really a “headache” for the billionaire mayor. Too, it’s being complicated by instant flooding every now and then. Ain’t an easy quest, hence! It seems everyone in the city fears flooding.
Tuesday’s flooding in 16 barangays, therefore, was a bit “disgusting”. For local businessmen it’s a no-no. It’s scaring investors away.
BEHAVIORAL CHANGE
Time for Mayor Albee to make true with his promise to instill behavioral change among Bacolodnons. Whether he likes it or not, basura is inter-related with behavioral change.
It is said that solid waste management (SWM) is 90% reliant on man’s behavior. If man doesn’t believe in waste segregation, it’s a problem. More so if he’s totally dependent on government’s efforts to implement waste segregation.
Thus, sans willingness of the public to support, SWM will surely be a “waste”, making such government advocacy truly “beyond headache”.
‘DIRTY LINEN’
Moreover, flooding in the city may turn into a “dirty linen” for the present administration. Figuratively speaking, washing such ain’t thru speaking alone. Rather, Bacolodnons want visible act(s) of solving the flooding.
In sum, Mayor Albee has a “complex mission” – beat basura to end flooding in the city.
Are both attainable?
It remains to be seen./PN
