• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The 6,200 capacity Negros Occidental Convention Center, with international design standards, which upon completion will be considered the largest in the province, will soon rise in Barangay Guinhalaran, Silay City.
After six years of hard work and planning, construction is finally about to start, Third District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez disclosed.
Strategically located near the Bacolod-Silay airport and the junction of Bacolod North Road, it is poised to become a vital hub, Benitez said.
This certified green two storey building will prioritize eco-friendly practices, according to Rep. Benitez. With a floor area of 8,640 square meters, the NOCC will feature a multipurpose facility that can accommodate up to 6,200 visitors and staff, the solon said.
With our vision for Metro Third and Negros Occidental as a convention hub in motion, this new center will host future conferences, conventions, cultural events, and social gatherings, enriching local culture and driving tourism by attracting more visitors and events to our province and cities, Benitez further said.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, said the NOCC will foster economic growth, create jobs, boost local businesses and tourism, and increase cultural, social, and educational events and exchanges.
“May this center be a catalyst for making Negros Occidental the rising convention hub of the country,” Lacson said in his message as he thanked Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez for initiating the project when he was still congressman of the 3rd District, his brother, Rep. Kiko Benitez, for continuing it, and the Silay City government for reclassifying the area from residential into institutional.
“May this notable development inspire us to accomplish many more remarkable milestones, securing the progress and development of our province”, the governor further said.*
