Ordinance on Bacolod esplanade eyed

THE Bacolod City Esplanade that is set for inauguration on June 17, must be free from vendors to maintain its peace and order.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia had written Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran requesting the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) to pass an ordinance for this purpose.

In his letter dated May 30, Leonardia informed Familiaran that he and project proponent Rep. Greg Gasataya had a meeting with Ma. Regina Piccio, president of Fernando F. Gonzaga, Inc., where Piccio expressed concern over the possible proliferation of vendors in the esplanade.

The Gonzagas donated the property on which the Bacolod City Government Center stands. The Bacolod City Esplanade is situated beside the government center, where the property adjoining the esplanade is also owned by the Gonzagas.

Piccio suggested that an ordinance be passed regulating the activities at the esplanade.

Leonardia said that while we are thankful to Congressman Greg for initiating the esplanade, he also finds reason to Piccio’s request as the esplanade shall definitely become a “landmark and a tourist attraction of the city.”

The proposed ordinance shall regulate the activities at the esplanade, including the construction of permanent and or temporary structures intended for vending, Leonardia said.

The Bacolod City Esplanade costs P37.2 million and is the first esplanade in this city, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (Dpwh)bacolod City District Engineering Office.

District engineer Abraham Villareal earlier said the esplanade is part of the construction of 440.0-lineal meter revetment wall with floodwall along Lupit River in Bacolod City, including improvement of riverbanks.

The project involves construction of 4,785-cubic meter rubble concrete structure (one side of the river) with the height of 9.0 lineal meters. The project also includes installation of concrete paving blocks, steel railings and lamp posts.

“The project is dual purpose. It will serve as protection of the riverbanks from possible erosion as well as a good venue for the recreation, social and fitness activities of the Bacoleños and tourists,” Villareal said./ PR