BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya led the distribution of shelter and relief assistance to 20 families from Purok Balinday, Barangay 2, Saturday, January 24, 2026. The families were recently relocated to Progreso Village Relocation Site II (PVRS II) in Barangay Vista Alegre. The distribution is part of the city government’s ongoing initiative to move residents out of high-risk areas along Mambuloc Creek and near the coast – zones prone to flooding and other natural hazards. Joining the mayor for the turnover were key city and barangay officials, including City Administrator Mark Steven Mayo, City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, executive assistants from the Mayor’s Office, Barangay 2 Punong Barangay Imelda Banguanga, and Bacolod Housing Authority Head Ma. Victoria Parreñas. On January 15, Mayor Gasataya expressed gratitude to the 37 Purok Balinday families for their voluntary and peaceful relocation. He noted that many had lived in the area for decades, facing recurring danger during storms and calamities, and confirmed all households received ₱10,000 in financial assistance to support their move. Of the 37 families, 14 have already settled at PVRS II, with the remaining 17 scheduled to relocate in the coming weeks. On January 14, the 20 pre-qualified beneficiaries were formally awarded individual lots, granting them legal and secure spaces to build their permanent homes. The City Engineer’s Office provided specialized equipment for dismantling existing structures and hauling materials, following Notices to Vacate issued in October 2025 and extended at the residents’ request. A January 21 site visit by city officials found the relocation lots nearly fully prepared, with 8 families already breaking ground on their home construction. The city has committed to gather all beneficiaries for a meeting soon to discuss additional support for site preparation and housing development. During today’s turnover, each family received 10 colored galvanized iron sheets and butane stoves to kickstart home construction. They also received two food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), each containing 6 kilos of rice, 7 cans of tuna, 2 cans of sardines, 4 cans of corned beef, 5 coffee sachets, and soup or chocomalt sachets – plus a DSWD kitchen kit complete with utensils, cookware, and dining ware. To further ease the families’ transition, Mayor Gasataya announced the city will cover the ₱1,600 water connection fee per household. Solar lights will also be prioritized at the site as a temporary safety measure while permanent electrical and infrastructure facilities are finalized. One of the beneficiaries, Mary Ann Venales, shared her reaction: “I’m truly overjoyed, especially when I heard that I would finally have my own home. Seeing the relocation site made me even more emotional. I never expected that, even after learning the city would give us a home, there would still be additional assistance like this,” Mary Ann Venales, one of the beneficiaries, said. “We are here today to assure you that the city government is doing its part. We will honor and fulfill every commitment we have made, which is why we are providing additional assistance today. We sincerely thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We know how difficult it was to leave your former homes, but those areas exposed you to serious risks, especially because they were located near the coast and highly vulnerable to calamities. Your relocation is a necessary step to protect your lives and ensure your long-term safety,” Mayor Gasataya passionately said. The assistance forms part of the city’s broader efforts to support families moving from Mambuloc Creek danger zones, helping them build safer, more secure, and dignified lives in their new community. The city government also called on all barangays to help maintain waterways and prevent the reconstruction of illegal structures, as part of Bacolod’s comprehensive flood mitigation and public safety programs. (Bacolod City Communications Office)