BACOLOD CITY – A new tourist destination will be up in the upland part of this city for nature and outdoor enthusiasts soon.
The city government held the groundbreaking of the P47-million Bacolod Tree Park in Barangay Alangilan on Wednesday, September 4, that also signals the start of the development of the 8.7-hectare area.
MAYOR Albee Benitez (center), with Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya (third from left), lead the groundbreaking of a P47-million tree park in Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City on Wednesday, September 4. (Glazyl Masculino)
Mayor Albee Benitez here said that the total budget for the whole master plan was estimated to be about P500 million.
The city allocated almost P50 million for the initial phase that covers about 10 percent of the overall plan, he added.
The budget was part of the P4.4-billion loan of the city government with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
“This is another milestone for the city. We will start with a few areas first. Hopefully, we can accelerate,” Benitez said, adding that they will lobby with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to assist them in funding the project.
The project is being developed by Almana Construction and Development Corp.
Benitez said initial construction will include entrance and picnic and glamping areas that will feature private jacuzzis.
It will also feature amenities such as a man-made lagoon, fishing and boating areas, walk trail, tree museum and outdoor exhibit, sensory garden, playground, skywalk, nursery, biodiversity, camping areas, mobile camping area, endemic tree nursery, and a parking area.
“This is design and build, so we can make adjustments along the way,” Benitez said.
“We have neglected the beauty of nature, so we’re bringing it back,” the mayor said, adding that everyone is now moving toward enjoying outdoor activities since the pandemic.
Benitez said the park’s natural appeal, combined with its cool climate, would draw locals and tourists.
“The plan is very natural. The area will be mostly filled with tents. It’s very minimalist, but the comfort will be world-class, that’s the concept of the tree park,” he added.
Benitez said that the city will establish an economic enterprise to manage the park and monitor fees, assuring that charges will remain affordable to cover the park’s maintenance.