Bacolod: Mayor Greg Gasataya has emphasized the importance of enforcing the city’s anti-littering ordinance to enhance flood prevention and mitigation after a significant amount of garbage was recently removed from major waterways.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Gasataya highlighted the need to review the penalty provisions of City Ordinance 531, which prohibits littering in public spaces and waterways. The ordinance, enacted in 2011, imposes fines of PHP500 for the first offense and PHP1,000 for subsequent offenses, along with community service requirements. The mayor stressed that the city cannot continue to clean up daily without holding those who litter accountable.

In a recent clean-up operation at Banago River, an impressive 10,995 kilograms of garbage were collected, and nearly 500 tons of silt were removed between July and August. This initiative followed severe flooding in early July that affected over 5,000 residents. The mayor ordered the clearing of major waterways to prevent further flooding caused by monsoon rains.

The city’s flood mitigation efforts focus on vulnerable areas, including Barangays 2, 8, and 10, which are situated in the city center. Mayor Gasataya called for cooperation from residents and visitors alike, emphasizing the collective responsibility required to maintain a clean and flood-resilient city.