BACOLOD City – The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has begun the redevelopment of the Bacolod Public Plaza, with the area now boarded up to make way for the rehabilitation project.
The move has temporarily displaced 32 accredited vendors operating within the plaza.
To address the disruption, the City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (CCLDO) is providing a series of livelihood skills training for members of the Bacolod Public Plaza Vendors Association (BPPVA).
CCLDO head Brenda Burdeos said in an interview on August 27 that a training on liquid dishwashing production was set for August 28 at the BAYS Center.
Earlier, the vendors underwent food processing training on beef tapa and longganisa making on August 15 and 26.
“These trainings aim to equip our vendors with sustainable livelihood skills they can use wherever they continue their businesses,” Burdeos said.
The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) has also extended assistance to the affected vendors.
TIEZA has allocated P300 million for Bacolod’s development projects, which include the rehabilitation of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds in Barangay Villamonte and the restoration of the heritage plaza in the downtown area.
Despite the ongoing works, the city government assured that preparations for the 2025 MassKara Festival will not be hindered. Key activities such as the street dance and arena competition for school and barangay categories will push through.
“Even if the renovation won’t be fully completed before the festival, it’s important that we show progress — a fresh new face for Bacolodnons to enjoy,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said.
He added that while the entire project may take until next year to finish, priority will be given to essential components such as lighting and electrical works, which are targeted for completion before the MassKara Festival to ensure improved ambiance and safety for festival-goers./PN
