Bacolod City officials led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran inaugurated several projects in the city totaling P33.3 million Friday.
Leonardia, who resides along Rosario Street in Barangay 38, walked down memory lane as he led the ribbon-cutting rites for the Rizal Park dedicated to the national hero.
The P9.4 million park, highlighted by lamp posts and lighting installations, coiffed pocket gardens, concrete curbs, walkable areas, benches and permeable pavers, among others, used to be a playground cum football pitch of Rizal Elementary School that was transformed into open spaces for visiting tourists and locals.
Rizal’s monument was also spruced up.
“I used to play here in my younger days. Leading the ceremonies today is not just an official function for me but a personal one; a sentimental moment for me,” shared Leonardia, who first conceptualized the transformation of the place into a park back in 1996.
After the Rizal Park ceremonies, Leonardia crossed the Araneta Street to inaugurate the P6.5 million improved promenade of Negros Occidental High School that is now a tree-lined walkable area accented by tall palms and other garden ornaments, a water feature and steel railings for the safety of students and pedestrians alike.
Last to be inaugurated was the P11.9 million Zen garden and children’s playground at the back of the Bacolod City Government Center.
A side event brought the mayor to the Balay Pasilungan that was also inaugurated by Soroptimist International Bacolod.
Joining Leonardia and Familiarian were incoming Councilor and EOC Executive Director Em Ang together with OIC Schools Division Superintendent of Bacolod City Reynaldo Gico, Rizal Elementary School Principal Christina Gemora Dep-Ed’s Grace Abao, and City Engineer’s Office staff, among others.
Fr. Farley Rey Santillan officiated the blessing alongside City Administrator Edward Joseph Cuansing, Engr. Loben Rafael Ceballos, among others.
Prior to the ribbon cutting rites for the Zen garden cum children’s recreational park, Leonardia led guests at the Balay Pasilungan event.
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.
In Bacolod, Balay Pasilungan is a home for abused women and girls where they are taught awareness and empowered to fight violence against women. The home has been welcoming abused children and women since 2002.
The newly-built Balay Pasilungan inside the BCPO compound is a project of the Soroptimist International of Bacolod made possible through the help of Malcolm Merry, who donated P5.5 million for the project.
With the cooperation and assistance of the city government of Bacolod through Mayor Leonardia, the City Engineer’s Office and the BCPO, the project, which was launched with a groundbreaking last November 4, 2021, has been completed.
Ma. Cecilia Cruz-Smith is president of SIB Bacolod.*
