BACOLOD City — Mayor Greg Gasataya assured the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) that his concerns over the ongoing redevelopment of the Bacolod Public Plaza are purely work-related, stressing that the city government’s priority is to ensure that the historic landmark is properly restored and improved.
“Nothing personal. It’s just that masakit para sa amin,” Gasataya told TIEZA personnel during a meeting on September 30 at the Bacolod City Government Center, referring to the current condition of the plaza.
“Again, nothing personal. Trabaho ito, boss. Trabaho lang sa amin,” he added, emphasizing that he has nothing against TIEZA or the project contractor.
Gasataya said the Bacolod Public Plaza has deep historical and emotional significance for generations of Bacolodnons who grew up with the landmark as part of their lives.
“For the people of Bacolod, it is painful to see its current appearance,” the mayor said, noting the emotional attachment of many residents to the plaza.
TIEZA is implementing redevelopment projects at the Bacolod Public Plaza and the fountain area of the Bacolod City Government Center, with a combined allocation of P300 million.
The projects started last year and were supposed to be completed in September.
Gasataya urged TIEZA and the contractor to ensure that the projects would restore and, preferably, improve the plaza’s appearance, including its landscaping and other features.
“Kayo na ang bahala. Kung anong tulong ang kailangan ninyo on the part of the local government unit gagawin namin,” Gasataya said, assuring TIEZA of the city government’s support.
“But we want to see that you’re serious enough na ibalik talaga ang itsura ng plaza,” he added.
Gasataya said he had remained silent on the project since last year to give the project proponents time to address concerns.
However, he said the current condition of the plaza could no longer be overlooked.
“Hindi puwede na ganoon ang sitwasyon, ganoon ang itsura,” he said.
Prior to the meeting, Gasataya sent a letter to TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid seeking immediate intervention on the Heritage Plaza redevelopment project.
The mayor cited recent site inspections conducted by the City Engineer’s Office, which identified several deficiencies at the site, including drainage failures, surface ponding, unsecured nozzles, missing float valves, nonfunctional lighting, unfinished installations, deteriorated protruding manholes, and control sequences that had yet to be demonstrated.
Gasataya said these issues must be addressed before the facility is considered ready for use.
He stressed that the Bacolod Public Plaza, as a historic and cultural landmark and venue for civic activities, must meet appropriate standards for safety, functionality, and appearance.
The mayor also expressed hope that the necessary corrective work would be completed so the plaza could be opened and fully operational, including its fountain, lighting, programming, and other features.
Gasataya said he would invite TIEZA officials to visit Bacolod during the MassKara Festival so they could personally see the condition of the plaza and understand the city government’s concerns.
He maintained that his position is not directed against any particular agency or contractor but is intended to protect the Bacolod Public Plaza and ensure that the redevelopment delivers a facility worthy of its historical and cultural importance to the city.
Gasataya emphasized that the city government would not accept the redevelopment projects upon turnover if the facilities are not fully completed./PN
