Bacolod City Plans Safer Housing for Families Displaced by Barangay 27 Fire

The Bacolod City Government, under the leadership of Mayor Greg Gasataya, has committed to providing improved and secure housing for families displaced by the September 12 fire in Barangay 27.

During a consultation held on September 16 at the Bacolod City Government Center, city officials, barangay leaders, and representatives from national agencies gathered to discuss recovery plans. Mayor Gasataya outlined a comprehensive approach prioritizing the safety and welfare of the 295 affected families.

The initial step involves clearing debris from the affected area to ensure the safety of residents before they can return home. Among those displaced is 92-year-old Pilar Buenafe, who is blind and expressed her deep desire to return to her residence, stating, "I just wanted to go home."

Acknowledging the residents’ concerns, Gasataya emphasized the importance of safety, saying, "I feel you and I truly understand, but we don’t want anybody getting hurt. That’s why I’m asking you to let us ensure your safety first, because for now, that is our priority."

Looking ahead, the mayor revealed plans for a long-term on-site housing development featuring proper road networks and drainage systems. Negotiations are underway with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), led regionally by Eva Maria Marfil, exploring a possible partnership to support this initiative. A Presidential Proclamation is also being pursued to donate over 7,787 square meters of national government-owned land for the housing project.

Punong Barangay Freeman Madalag expressed full support for the city’s proposed plan.

Though still in preliminary stages, Gasataya assured the fire survivors of the local government’s commitment to helping them rebuild, stating, "That’s the long-term goal — an ownership and a place they can truly call home. Rest assured, the local government of Bacolod will always be here to help you in whatever way we can."

The fire in Purok Ceriza 2 resulted in 295 displaced households, comprising 145 homeowners, 105 sharers, and 44 renters. In response, the city government has allocated cash assistance of P15,000 for families with homes completely destroyed and P10,000 for partially damaged houses.

In parallel, city offices including the Public Affairs and Assistance Division (PAAD), Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), City Legal Office (CLO), City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (CCLDO), and the City Administrator’s Office, along with various volunteers, continue to sort and distribute donations. Bulk clothing donations are currently being prepared at the evacuation center located at Apolinario Mabini Elementary School.