By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Flooding in Silay and Victorias cities in northern Negros Occidental forced the rescue of scout jamboree participants and led to the cancellation of Victorias’ New Year celebration.
In Silay City, more than 1,000 campers were rescued after heavy rains caused water levels to rise in camping areas. They were temporarily sheltered at the covered court and Barangay E. Lopez National High School to ensure their safety.
The campers were delegates of the 7th Negros Occidental Scout Jamborette and 3rd Rover Moot, held from Dec. 25 to Dec. 30.
The event brought together scouts and rovers from across the province for a week-long celebration of camaraderie, leadership, and skill-building.
Activities included camping, team-building exercises, environmental projects, and cultural showcases.
Organized by the Negros Occidental Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) in partnership with local government units, the event highlighted the importance of youth development.
Meanwhile, Victorias City Mayor Javier Benitez announced the cancellation of the New Year celebration on Jan. 1, 2025, to focus on community service and drainage reinforcement in the wake of the flooding.
Benitez said in a statement that sustained rains since Dec. 22 caused flooding in parts of Victorias City. Eight families from Barangay 21 were evacuated and received assistance from the local government.
“This is the first flooding of this magnitude we have experienced, despite the progress made through drainage improvements, dredging, and flood control operations started in 2022 under our city’s Dredging Project,” Benitez said.
The mayor noted that the city has implemented the widening, clearing, and desilting of waterways in the Malihaw and Magnanud Rivers, as well as Guinpanaan and Maagmang Creeks and their tributaries.
Victorias, a natural catch basin, was among other northern municipalities affected by prolonged heavy rains and high tides.
Although floodwaters have receded, drainage has been hindered by the current harvest season, which reduces the water absorption usually provided by crops.
As a result, more floodwater accumulated in low-lying city centers, Benitez said.
The city plans to mobilize stakeholders and volunteers to clear drainage canals, trace floodwater pathways, and identify potential water egress points.
Three days before Christmas, heavy rains also affected 10 families, or 37 individuals, in Barangays 6, 7, and 21 in Victorias City.
On Jan. 6, stakeholders and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council will convene to craft both short- and long-term solutions to address the flooding.
“We will continue to provide affected Victoriasanon families with much-needed assistance during these challenging times,” Benitez assured.
