Bacolod city: The city government has initiated the clearing of a significant waterway using an amphibious dredger borrowed from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The effort is aimed at restoring the Mandalagan River to its full capacity through ongoing massive clearing and desilting operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Greg Gasataya emphasized the importance of the project, stating that once the river is restored, it will significantly reduce the risk of water build-up in a large section of Bacolod City, particularly in the northern areas. The Mandalagan River, situated in the northern part of the city, functions as the primary catchment for eight tributary creeks spanning Barangays 1, Mandalagan, Estefania, Bata, Villamonte, and Montevista.

The dredging work aims to remove 20,000 cubic meters of silt from the river, a task expected to take several weeks. Mayor Gasataya highlighted the strategic decision to borrow the dredger from the national government, thus avoiding the cost and delay associated with renting equipment. This initiative marks the initial phase of the city’s broader objective to restore all its waterways.

Previous desilting efforts in the Banago River successfully extracted approximately 1,330 tons of silt, while creek clearing operations removed 67 tons of waste. Recent weather events have underscored the need for these efforts; on October 9, flooding in Barangay Mandalagan reached waist level, impacting areas along Lacson Street near a major shopping mall. Additionally, heavy rainfall on October 14 caused flooding in 11 barangays, necessitating the evacuation of over 100 residents from two barangays.