BACOLOD CITY – The city government here has recently inaugurated the P78.2 million worth of projects, including the improvement of Rizal Park dedicated to the national hero.

Of the amount, P27.8 million came from the national government.

About P9.4 million had been spent for the improvement of the Rizal Park where lamp posts and other lighting materials were installed.

The park also has coiffed pocket gardens, concrete curbs, walkable areas, benches and permeable pavers, among others.

What used to be a playground cum football pitch of Rizal Elementary School has been transformed into open spaces for visiting tourists and locals. The Rizal's monument has also been spruced up.

The city government has also inaugurated the promenade of the Negros Occidental High School improved at a cost of P6.5 million, and the P11.9 million Zen garden and children's playground at the back of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).

Aside from these projects, outgoing Mayor Evelio Leonardia also graced the inauguration of the Balay Pasilungan that was also unveiled by the Soroptimist International Bacolod.

Balay Pasilungan, which means ‘shelter home,’ offers refuge to street children living in highly-dangerous situations, exposed to abuse and exploitation and deprived of parental guidance and opportunities.

It is also a home for abused women and girls where they are taught awareness and empowered to fight violence against women. It has been welcoming abused children and women since 2002.

The newly-built Balay Pasilungan inside the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) compound is a project of the Soroptimist International of Bacolod which was made possible through the help of Malcolm Merry, who donated P5.5 million for the project.

The projects were launched by the city government on November 4, 2021 through a groundbreaking ceremony witnessed by the City Engineers’ Office and the BCPO.

Meanwhile, the 70-lineal meter Gonzaga Bridge that was widened to include the pedestrian walk with railings to ensure safety of people passing the area was also unveiled.

The project, constructed by Supreme ATF Construction and Construction Supply, cost P44,949,942.95.

The bridge which connects the downtown area and Libertad Market via a shorter distance going to Dona Juliana will decongest flow to traffic along Gonzaga Street, Lopez Jaena Street and adjacent major thoroughfares as envisioned by Leonardia.

These were all unveiled before Leonardia steps down as top city executive on June 30. He’s the longest serving mayor with 18 years out of his over three decades of political career.