• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Work has officially begun on the redevelopment of the Bacolod City Government Center grounds and fountain area, with the installation of a perimeter fencing this week, as part of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) initiative worth around P300 million.
Engr. Loben Ceballos, Bacolod City Engineer’s Office (CEO) head, said that the upgrade is under one project with the Bacolod Heritage Plaza, where construction began last July 2025.
While the BCGC phase has just entered the construction stage, the renovation of the public plaza is currently 43 percent complete as of mid-January 2026.
Of the total P299,945,162 budget, P80 million was allocated for the plaza while P220 million was earmarked for the BCGC areas.
The engineering plans also include a modern drainage system that allows the area to be converted into dry open space for large public events when the fountain is not in use.
The plaza project includes rehabilitating four existing fountains and installing synchronized light and music systems across its four quadrants.
Loben said that the construction was scheduled until April, but noted that there will be some adjustments of date underway depending on TIEZA.
The firm behind the redevelopment is Amigo Entertainment Technologies Inc.
Meanwhile, Mayor Greg Gasataya clarified that the project was implemented by the TIEZA alone.
“All undertakings, all allocations, all allocables were made by TIEZA. The city of Bacolod is only a recipient of this project,” Gasataya said, noting that the role of the city is to monitor the project.*
