• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City government successfully removed around 17 tons of trash from a creek in Purok Riverside, Barangay Bata, on Friday.
The massive cleanup operation is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to prevent flooding by clearing waterways, especially at the North side of the city.
The cleanup was focused on a critical creek that connects to the major drainage outfall in Barangay Banago, a flood-prone area.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, who was present at the site, underscored the importance of community cooperation.
The large amount of garbage collected, which filled multiple dump trucks, highlights the persistent issue of solid waste clogging the city’s waterways.
The mayor stated that the city is considering increasing penalties for anti-littering violations to address the problem.
This cleanup is one of several similar operations conducted by the local government.
Previous efforts include the removal of 459 metric tons of silt and garbage from the Banago River.
According to the data of Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office and IPM – Construction Development Corporation, an average volume of more than 500 tons of garbage was generated by the city since January 2025.*
