This Week in Bacolod (July 29 to August 4, 2018)

Continuous downpours and thunderstorms continue to set the mood for the whole week. Sunny weather will be on its lowest chance this week as low pressure areas continue to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Southwest monsoon (Habagat) is also greatly affecting the weather, so it is recommended to stay indoors as much as possible. In preparation for rain showers and flash floods, one should be knowledgeable on Where the evacuation areas are located. Always keep gadgets and important documents in waterproof bags and casings. For tourists, it is best to avoid mountain and beach destinations for personal safety.

A group from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will assess the city’s traffic situation and will help formulate a local traffic master plan for Bacolod City. In Bacolod alone, 92,827 motor vehicles have been registered in 2017 which is 7,849 more than the 84,978 registered in 2016 [1]. The figures from the Land Transportation Office-Region 6 implied that Bacoleños have the purchasing power to buy vehicles, but this adds to the traffic volume in the metro. With the current traffic situation in Bacolod, it really shows that this kind of initiatives will be executed urgently.

The number of flooded areas in the city has dropped, according to the cluster head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) [2]. Thanks to the drainage project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), because it has helped greatly in minimizing flash floods in the city. If you are traveler and you heard the news about flooding in the City of Smiles last year, don’t worry everything seems to be in good condition now. The public is also advised by the CDRRMO to be responsible in disposing of their waste to contribute in further solidifying the campaign against flash floods in Bacolod.

A few months ago the City Government of Bacolod has sponsored Passport on Wheels, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) program where a pre screening of applicants is conducted to hasten the processing of the passport. Great news! The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental will be sponsoring another Passport on Wheels to cater to more Negrenses since slots are always full online. An estimated of 1,000 passports are processed in a day during a Passport on Wheels activity compared to 250 to 300 applicants a day at the DFA Bacolod Office because of its lean personnel and smaller space [3]. This is a great news for locals since local government units are also encouraged to sponsor such events.

"Kabuhayan sa Buhay na Kalikasan" (Livelihood in a Living Environment) was the theme for the training and seminar for Reef Rangers spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) – Region VI and Sagay City Government. During the snorkeling training at the Balay Kauswagan’s swimming pool, participants were handed out training gear to learn how to properly use them on water. A lecture on coral ecosystem was also conducted, as well as a practical talk on first-aid and proper donning of Personal Floatation Device to the rangers. Tourism the frontliners now well-equipped, tourists can be assured of a safer and better experience while visiting the marine sanctuaries of Sagay City.

Heavy rains last week triggered another highway landslide in Don Salvador Benedicto town. The landslide occurred in Purok Kulasi, Barangay Kumaliskis where the stone masonry slope protection and road shoulder gave way this time on the other side of road [4]. Measures are up and running to ensure the safety of motorists. Tourists who desire to experience the cold winds and breathtaking view at Don Salvador Benedicto are advised to visit the place on some other time for safety.

A public hearing will discuss the proposed anti-loitering ordinance in this capital city [5]. A public hearing will determine if Bacoleños want such ordinance to be passed. This is alongside the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to arrest tambays (bums). Bacolod City Police Office Head Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo noted that his men are “cautious” in arresting tambays in Bacolod since they want to assure the public that their rights will not be violated. There is still no specific date for the public hearing but it will be announced very soon.