• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Diocese of Bacolod is planning to use its own property at the public plaza for a two-month summer trade fair that will start on March 15.
“If the City of Bacolod will continue to allow businesses in (the) public plaza, then we wish to inform (the city) that the Roman Catholic Bishop of Bacolod plans to use its own property at the plaza…for a trade fair on souvenir items and dry goods on March 15 to May 15, 2024,” Bishop Patricio Buzon said in his recent letter to Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran.
The fair will cover the sidewalk on Gatuslao Street across Merzci Bread and Pastries, and the length of the sidewalk along Rizal Street, fronting La Consolacion College, all the way to the Queen City Development Bank, the letter added.
“Whatever donation we can get from this fair will surely go a long way in providing medical care for our retired and ailing priests, residing at Domus Dei, Silay City,” Buzon said in the letter that the Sangguniang Panlungsod referred to the Office of the City Mayor for appropriate action.
Mayor Alfredo Benitez earlier said the city plans to no longer allow vendors at the plaza and is preparing for its upgrade and beautification, with the proposed P80 million funding coming from the DOT-Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.
Benitez said there’s need to preserve the prestige of the plaza. “Indi na pag e-commercialize. We recognize that vendors rely on this livelihood… (there will be) an alternative location for them, indi na sa plaza.”
He added that he met with Buzon early this month on the city’s plans, and said the bishop welcomed these improvements.
The mayor said the city will also “find ways to support the church”, as he noted that part of proceeds from fairs held at the Diocese’s property at the plaza is allotted for the needs of retired and ailing priests. | CGC
