The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has approved a resolution urging all barangays, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officers, civic groups, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), through the Office of Mayor Greg Gasataya, to intensify a citywide tree-planting and mangrove rehabilitation program, particularly in flood-prone coastal barangays.
The resolution was authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Dindo Ramos and Celia Matea Flor.
Distrito underscored the importance of adopting nature-based solutions alongside engineering interventions to address Bacolod’s perennial flooding problem.
“Engineering and drainage systems are important, but we must also harness the power of nature. Trees and mangroves are proven defenses against flooding as they absorb water, prevent soil erosion, and protect coastal communities from storm surges,” Distrito said.
The resolution emphasized the role of community engagement and sustainability.
“Flooding is not just an infrastructure issue, it is a community issue. By engaging our barangays, SK leaders, civic groups, and NGOs, we ensure that solutions are sustainable and owned by the people themselves,” Flor said.
Ramos also explained that “the program will have long-term benefits beyond flood control. Tree planting and mangrove rehabilitation will not only reduce flooding but also promote biodiversity, provide livelihood opportunities, and contribute to climate change adaptation. This is an investment in the future of Bacolod.”
The resolution calls for a multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure success, stressing that Bacolod City’s fight against flooding requires both structural interventions and community-driven environmental initiatives.*
