BACOLOD City – The city government here has officially signed a Deed of Donation (DOD) with a private land developer for the establishment of the city’s first clustered emergency facility.
The signing took place on Monday, June 9, in Barangay Mandalagan between Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, representing the city government, and Nestor Padilla, chairman and chief executive officer of Rockwell Land Corporation, which donated the parcel of land.
The event was witnessed by Mayor-elect and incumbent Cong. Greg Gasataya, District Engineer Leah Jamero of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bacolod Engineering District, Bacolod City Police Office director Colonel Joeresty Coronica, City Fire Marshal Superintendent Jenny Mae Masip, several councilors, and city hall department heads.
The donated property covers 2,130 square meters and is located within the area where Rockwell Land’s development project is also situated.
“This is the first clustered facility where a police station, the BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection), and the DRRMO (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) will be housed in one location, each equipped with their own tools and resources,” Mayor Benitez said. “Putting them together is our goal for more efficient government services.”
He emphasized the advantages of the site, noting its accessibility and the fact that the lot was donated, thereby reducing the burden on public funds.
Following the DOD signing, a groundbreaking ceremony was also held for the new Police Station 3 (PS3) building, the first of the three structures to rise in the clustered facility.
Congressman-elect Benitez said construction of the PS3 building would begin immediately, with completion targeted within eight months.
The project has a P20-million budget, with P10 million from Sen. Francis Tolentino and another P10 million from Rockwell Land Corporation.
Benitez, who is set to return to Congress, said he will work on securing additional funding for the construction of the two remaining structures — the satellite offices for the BFP and the DRRMO./PN
