• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The city government has earmarked P50 million for the construction of its first-ever international-standard football pitch, with the groundbreaking scheduled this March at the Bacolod City National High School oval.
Mayor Greg Gasataya announced the major investment during a send-off ceremony for Bacolodnon athletes competing in the Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet.
“We are doing this so that by the time Batang Pinoy arrives in the last quarter of 2026, Bacolod City will already have its own artificial turf,” Gasataya said.
City Engineer Office head Engr. Loben Rafael Ceballos confirmed that the office is currently awaiting the final Notice to Proceed to begin the development of the 7,490-square-meter facility.
The project is designed to meet strict Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) standards, featuring artificial turf and a professional-tier lighting system mounted on 25 meters.
The firm behind the upcoming construction is San Igmedio Builders Incorporated.*
