The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has approved three-tier loans totaling P2 billion for Kabankalan City to fund infrastructure projects to address flooding.
In a press statement published on its website on March 30, DBP said the loans were granted under its Assistance for Economic and Social Development (ASENSO) for LGUs program.
DBP President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus said the financing package consists of a 15-year P1.68-billion loan, a 10-year P318.7-million loan, and a 5-year P1.3-million loan, to support climate adaptation and disaster-resilient public works and engineering projects.
The ASENSO program provides financing support to local government units (LGUs) for infrastructure and socio-economic development projects aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“DBP has been a stable and consistent partner of Kabankalan City, even before it was established as a city in 1997,” de Jesus said, adding that the latest initiative strengthens the bank’s relationship with the local government.
The loan forms part of the city government’s proposed “flood-free” initiative, which had earlier drawn mixed reactions from local officials during deliberations at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), including concerns on legal requirements and project planning.
Mayor Benjie Miranda earlier said in media interviews that the proposed “flood-free” initiative would be implemented only in the city proper.
After the loan agreement between DBP and the city was signed in February 2026, Brigada News FM Kabankalan requested details of the agreement from the bank. However, DBP declined to disclose the information, citing “confidentiality.”
As of press time, no details have been released about the fund disbursement or the initiative’s start date.
Flooding concerns
Flooding has long been a problem not only in Kabankalan but also in several localities in the province’s 6th district, largely due to overflow from the Ilog-Hilabangan River during heavy rains and typhoons, affecting communities and agricultural areas.
The floodings also prompted calls from environmental groups and stakeholders for stronger watershed rehabilitation efforts, citing the impact of degraded upland areas on flood risks.
Supporting the need for long-term solutions, a study by Southland College (SC) students proposed an integrated waterway enhancement strategy for the Ilog-Hilabangan River, citing Kabankalan as a natural catchment area for upland runoff that is highly vulnerable to severe flooding.
SC president Dr. Juan Antonio Villaluz earlier showed interest in partnering with the city government to help address persistent flooding through research-based solutions developed by its students and faculty.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.