BACOLOD City – Instead of building a convention center, Mayor-elect Alfredo Benitez plans to convert the Bacolod MassKara Coliseum currently under construction in Barangay Alijis into one to save money.
He recently discussed the plan with the City Engineer’s Office, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) officials, Cong. Greg Gasataya, councilors-elect Thaddy Sayson, Al Espino, Jason Villarosa, and with Atty. Caesar Distrito and Homer Bais.
The administration of outgoing Mayor Evelio Leonardia obtained a P1.7-billion loan from DBP in 2019 to fund four flagship projects, including the coliseum that has a budget of P800 million.
The other projects were the P350-million Bacolod City College; P350-million Progreso Village Relocation Site; and P200 million for roads and bridges.
On social media, Benitez posted: “Nangin mabinungahon ang amon pagsapol parte sa akon plano nga i-repurpose ang Bacolod Coliseum into a cheaper and simpler convention center or trade center para ma-realign ang nabilin nga budget sa pag-redesign kag pag-rebuild sang aton mga city markets.”
However, Councilor Al Victor Espino, an ally of Benitez, said it won’t be easy. The bank already released 20 percent of the loan since the construction already started./PN
