BACOLOD City — The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has passed a resolution urging immediate action to install, repair, and energize streetlights along major roads in the city, with priority given to the Bacolod Airport Highway—one of Bacolod’s key gateways.
The measure calls on the offices of Mayor Greg Gasataya and Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to address long-standing concerns over poorly lit thoroughfares.
Councilor Em Ang, author of the resolution, emphasized that adequate street lighting is critical to ensuring public safety, particularly for motorists and pedestrians traveling at night.
Dark stretches along major roads, especially the airport highway, have been flagged as potential hotspots for road accidents and criminal activity.
“Streetlights are not just basic infrastructure—they are essential to protecting lives and maintaining peace and order,” the resolution stated.
Well-lit roads, it added, can significantly deter crime while improving visibility and traffic safety.
The Bacolod Airport Highway, located along the Circumferential Road and serving as a vital link to the Bacolod-Silay Airport, has drawn particular concern due to several unlit or non-functional sections.
Ang said the situation not only poses risks to commuters but also affects the overall impression of visitors entering the city.
Under the resolution, the City Engineer’s Office is directed to conduct an immediate assessment of all defective and non-operational streetlights.
A comprehensive report and action plan must be submitted within 30 days, outlining steps for repair, installation, and energization.
The initiative aligns with the city government’s broader mandate to improve essential services and enhance the quality of life of Bacolod residents.
Officials also see the project as a step toward strengthening the city’s visual appeal, particularly along major entry routes./PN
