• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya pushed for the revitalization of the public plaza, and assessed the perennial problem of flooding in barangays 10 and 2, during his inspections July 3.
Gasataya ordered the pruning of overgrown trees, removal of old and damaged Christmas lights, repair of nonfunctional lamps to improve nighttime lighting, and the repainting of structures and removal of unnecessary objects at the plaza.
He said there is need to upgrade and beautify the plaza, especially with the planned holding of several MassKara Festival activities in the area in October.
The mayor also inspected the comfort rooms at the plaza and called for their immediate repairs and the urgent siphoning of septic tanks. “This needs to be done urgently so we can proceed with fixing the comfort rooms.”
Gasataya also called on residents and visitors to do their part. “Please help our efforts, magbuligay kita sa pagmintinar sang katinlo sang aton plaza para sa aton pinalangga nga ciudad sang Bacolod.”
He assured that the city government will do its part in maintaining, improving, and beautifying the plaza, especially in preparation for the return of MassKara events to the area.
“By caring for the city plaza, we are preserving a part of who we are as Bacolodnons, a symbol of our pride, our culture, and our unity. Our commitment is to bring new life to the spaces that matter most to our people,” the solon-turned-mayor said in a statement.
Gasataya also inspected the ongoing construction of a diversion channel, aimed at redirecting the flow of water from the congested creek that is causing the “chronic flooding in barangays 10 and 2,” the city said in a press release.
He said the garbage-clogged waterways exacerbate flood risks for residents in these barangays.
With the mayor during the inspections were City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu, City Engineer’s Office OIC Engr. Loben Ceballos, BENRO OIC Atty. Allyn Luv Dignadice, DRRMO head Dr. Ma. Laarni Pornan, Office of the Building Official OIC Engr. Amy Tentia, GSO representatives, and executive assistants.
From restoring the historic Bacolod plaza to easing drainage problems, Gasataya stressed that both beautification and basic services must go hand in hand in building a cleaner and safer Bacolod for all, the city added. | CGC
