• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Sidlak Victorias Global City will soon rise in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, with the simultaneous blessings of three landmark projects that are envisioned by its government leaders as new a growth area for the local government unit.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez led to the ceremonial groundbreaking rites of the P1.2 billion Sidlak Residential Complex, P550 million New Government Center (NGC), and the Sidlak Land Development, with a budget of P200 million, at the 25-hectare Sidlak Victorias Global City in Hacienda Loreto, Barangay XIII, Victorias City.
The Sidlak Victorias Global City already houses the P155 million City Command and Evacuation Center.
Benitez also revealed that the global city will also accommodate a cultural center, Department of Education Division Office, commercial and transport hub buildings, art district, buildings for the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire and Protection, in addition to the government center and residential complex.
“We envision Victorias City, not only to be nationally competitive, but to level up in the global standards, and to be a true home for all Victoriasanons where they can live, work and play,” the mayor said.
The Victorias City government entered into an agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines to secure a P1.086 billion loan for the three mega infrastructure projects, among others.
This is not just a loan, it is an investment in our future, an acceleration of priority programs, projects and activities that will touch the lives of every Victoriasanon, Benitez stressed.
The NGC is a three-storey building, covering 7,120.50 square meters, with the design and master plan by a Brooklyn-based architecture firm. It is targeted for completion in May 2027, according to the mayor.
On the other hand, the Sidlak Residential Complex covers 25,000 square meters, with 10 five storey buildings which will house 1,241 units and have 60 percent green spaces. It will also house various amenities, such as parking and commercial areas, a swimming pool, club house, and a playground.
This was realized in partnership with the Scheiman Construction Consolidated, Inc. and RS Realty Concepts Development, Benitez further said.
This development will be carried out at no cost to the Victorias City government, with our private partners, through our Joint Venture Agreement, assuming full responsibility for construction and development, he added.
Benitez reported that there were already 1,300 applicants, including government employees, teachers, uniformed personnel and private individuals.
Qualified applicants are informal settlers who are active Pag-IBIG members earning below P17,000 in monthly salary. While the monthly amortization will be determined by the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development, Benitez said it is expected to be between P2,800 to P3,500 per month for 30 years.
The Victorias City New Government Center, Sidlak Land Development, and Sidlak Residential Complex represent a bold step forward in realizing our vision for a modern, progressive and resilient Victorias City, Benitez stressed.
These projects, strategically located and meticulously planned, will not only enhance our governance and infrastructure, but will also stimulate economic growth, improve the quality of life of every Victoriasanon, and solidify Victorias City’s position as a thriving hub in Negros Occidental, the mayor further said.*
