BACOLOD City – The city government is set to construct a P50-million football field at the Bacolod City National High School (BCNHS) oval area, a major investment aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development.
According to Engineer Loben Rafael Ceballos, head of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), construction will begin once the Notice to Proceed (NTP) is issued following the completion of the procurement process, which is expected in the first or early second week of March.
Ceballos said the 7,490-square-meter pitch will be fully funded by the city government and developed as a FIFA-standard facility, complete with artificial turf and professional-grade lighting.
Once completed, it will be the first city-constructed football venue of its kind in Bacolod, he added.
The project was announced by Mayor Greg Gasataya during a send-off ceremony for the city’s sports delegates to the Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) 2026, which will run until March 7.
Gasataya said the football pitch is necessary to provide local athletes with quality facilities within the city.
“We know there are a lot of teams in Bacolod, and some of them are playing outside the city,” the mayor said.
He emphasized that having a high-quality turf field will not only support local athletes but also help attract more competitions to Bacolod.
City officials underscored that the project forms part of a broader effort to nurture young athletic talent, reduce the need for teams to train outside Bacolod, and position the city as a viable host for regional and national football competitions.
Ceballos reiterated that the project is locally funded.
With the planned facility, Bacolod aims to expand opportunities for local players and strengthen its standing as an emerging hub for sports development./PN
