Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Verbena flooded parts of Bacolod City on November 25, 2025, displacing thousands and reigniting criticism of the city's multi-billion-peso flood control efforts. Residents and activists questioned the effectiveness of projects funded since 2017 amid impassable roads and submerged neighborhoods. Officials deployed teams to aid affected areas as the storm continued its path.
Bacolod City in Negros Occidental experienced significant flooding on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, due to heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Verbena, which had weakened to a tropical depression. The disaster affected large areas, including the upscale Barangay Mandalagan, where residents had to relocate belongings to upper floors. The city's Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office reported that 3,571 families from 31 barangays, totaling 10,943 individuals, were displaced and sheltered in evacuation centers. Dr. Ana Maria Laarni Pornan, head of the office, noted that data from those not in centers was still being gathered.
The event marked the second major flood in four months, following incidents on July 11-12 that impacted northern parts like Santa Clara Subdivision. Mayor Greg Gasataya described flood levels of 1 to 1.5 feet, rendering key routes impassable, such as Triumph-Bangga Tomaro, Araneta-Circumferential, Lacson Street, and sections of Circumferential Road. Knee-deep water was reported in areas like Burgos Street and Barangay Pahanocoy. Emergency and clearing teams were mobilized to assist residents and clear roadways.
Public anger focused on the P4.283 billion allocated for flood control since 2017, with Department of Public Works and Highways records showing yearly funding from P118.934 million in 2017 to P1.028 billion in 2023, and continuing into 2025 at P584.698 million. Arlene Infante, chairperson of the Association of Negros Producers, challenged the preparedness: “So? Where [are the flood control measures]? We just can’t blame a few sacks of garbage clogging the creeks.” Lawyer Cesar Beloria of the Council of Concerned Citizens added, “The figures don’t lie, thus we’re inspired to go on with our cause because people are now very angry with the latest flooding in the city.” Resident Edu Pillora, a 50-year-old event organizer from Mandalagan, lamented, “This is no longer the Bacolod City that I used to live in for five decades now.”
Meanwhile, Verbena made its seventh landfall in Palawan late that night before heading northwest over the West Philippine Sea. It had previously hit Surigao del Sur, Bohol, Talisay City in Cebu, Negros Oriental, Guimaras, and Iloilo. The state weather bureau forecasted possible intensification to a severe tropical storm before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by November 27 morning.