The 11th Sangguniang Bayan of Bacacay, Albay conducted a formal joint committee hearing on Monday, March 3 at the chapel of Barangay Cagbulacao to address severe and recurring flooding affecting multiple barangays on Cagraray Island.
The hearing was prompted by a letter from the Teacher-in-Charge of Cagbulacao Elementary School following a February 21 flash flood that damaged school materials, books, printers, and cabinets, while also traumatizing students and residents.
Chaired by Councilors Emmanuel Alparce, Adonis Bombales, and Atty. Herbert Bermas, the hearing gathered residents, Barangay officials and priests, from the most affected barangays—Cagbulacao, Tanagan, and Manaet.
Officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were also present to address concerns.
DPWH committed to immediate flood mitigation efforts, including dredging and desilting rivers in Cagbulacao and Manaet. However, long-term solutions remain unclear, as officials noted that flooding continues due to debris from mountain road openings.
Councilor Alparce- Chairman Commmittee on Education, and environmental protection and natural resource, raised concerns about a steep road leading to Alimsog, Sto. Domingo, allegedly constructed for access to a private resort. He questioned whether the road’s construction contributed to environmental degradation and whether permits were properly secured.
DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) confirmed prior findings of possible permit violations and is awaiting DPWH’s response before convening a Technical Conference Committee.
The council plans to summon DPWH and DENR again on March 18 to discuss flooding in another site, Bicadero in Sula, as patterns of environmental impact continue to emerge.
Alparce also called for clarity on compensation for affected residents and damage to public infrastructure, including the loss of natural waterfalls due to road construction.
As investigations continue, residents and local officials await further action from concerned agencies to address the ongoing environmental and infrastructural challenges.I Jeric Lopez
