LEGAZPI CITY -- The business sector here has urged the city government of Legazpi to pursue a comprehensive flood control program to address the worsening flooding in this city which poses unwarranted financial losses and damages to properties.

        The Chamber of Commerce of Legazpi Filipino Chinese (LFCCC), Albay Filipino Chinese (AFCCC) and the Albay Chamber Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in a joint letter to City Mayor Noel Rosal expressed alarm over the worsening flood problem in the city triggered by heavy rains during the past two weeks.

        The business group declared that while they expect floods to happen during typhoons, the voluminous amount of floodwaters that submerged a big section of the city commercial district due to rains is upsetting.

        “We observed more sections of the city are now experiencing floods and the floodwater levels are getting higher and it takes more than the usual 12 to 24 hours for water to subside,” the group said.

        The letter signed recently by Ruben Yu, LFCCC president, Virgilio Yu AFCCC president and Henry Buban ACCI president appealed to Rosal to draw up and implement a comprehensive flood control program that would solve the current flooding problem in this city.

        “We appeal to the City Mayor that an updated flood prevention and mitigation program be given utmost priority and attention, for immediate and regular implementation,” they said.

        The group expressed alarm over the worsening flood situation and its consequences to business which include among others: damages to property and stocks, lost business transactions and opportunities, and fewer customers.

        The flood problem if left unsolved would discourage new investors, business expansions and tourist influx, the letter said.

        Mayor Rosal when asked to comment on the appeal of the business group said he would be holding a dialogue with them and map out measures that would address the flooding problem in this city.

        Rosal said “in consultation with the various business groups we would draw up a mitigating flood control program acceptable to both.”

        The business group assured the city government to would stand ready to extend support in solving the city’s flooding problem.