• THERESA MAE DULMAN
At least eight national government agencies have signified their intent to establish regional offices within the 17-hectare city-owned property in Barangay Vista Alegre, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said June 17.
Gasataya said he has been authorized by the Sangguniang Panlungsod to sign the memoranda of undertaking following initial discussions with interested agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
He said that lot allocations will vary, based on the specific operational requirements of each agency.
“The lot depends on the needs of the agencies. The PNP requires at least four hectares, while the DENR needs one hectare. Other agencies will be allocated around 1,000 square meters each,” Gasataya said.
He noted that developing regional centers typically triggers economic growth by attracting investors, development, and new businesses to the area.
The project is also expected to generate employment and business opportunities for residents living in the adjacent relocation site, Gasataya added.
The property is situated next to commercial lands owned by SM and the Capitol Subdivision.
Gasataya said the city also plans to construct a road connecting the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway directly to the city property, to improve accessibility and stimulate growth in Bacolod East. | TMD
