By Mark L. Garcia
Bacolod City — The Sangguniang Panlungsod has authorized Mayor Evelio Leonardia to seek funding from government financial institutions for big-ticket projects for the city.
The projects are the development of the Progreso Village Relocation Site (PVRS) and the Bacolod City College; the construction of the Bacolod MassKara Coliseum; construction of roads and bridges; establishment of the South and East Transportation Terminals and the Public Safety ICT Solution, which includes traffic surveillance, virtual checkpoints, and E-Police for auto-recognition of red light and license plates, Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairperson of the city council’s Committee on Appropriations and Finance, said.
Distrito said the city will negotiate with the national government for grants or loans for the flagship projects.
He said the east and south terminal will not only reduce traffic in the downtown area but will also create growth areas east and south of Bacolod.
He said the MassKara Coliseum will not only be an iconic structure in the silent reclamation area, but will create another growth area and spur development in the city’s property. It will also be another landmark for Bacolod and will promote sports, tourism and culture.
The Progreso Village Relocation Site will provide the city’s informal settlers a decent community, Distrito said.
These projects need support infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water system and electricity, he said.