• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The two-storey Negros Occidental Convention Center (NOCC) will soon rise in Barangay Guinhalaran, Silay City, and will be the first government convention center of international design standards in Negros Island.
It will be a venue for local and international conventions and other events, and can accommodate 6,200 visitors and staff, with a floor area of 8,640 square meters.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the groundbreaking ceremony July 11, said the NOCC will foster economic growth, create jobs, boost local businesses and tourism, and increase cultural, social, and educational events and exchanges.
“May this center be a catalyst for making Negros Occidental the rising convention hub of the country,” Lacson said in his message as he thanked Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez for initiating the project when he was still congressman of the 3rd District, his brother, Rep. Kiko Benitez, for continuing it, and the Silay City government for reclassifying the area from residential into institutional.
“In the coming months, we will witness the transformation of this site into a state-of-the-art facility…that will lead to urban transformation and landscape enhancement in Silay,” the governor said. “May this notable development inspire us to accomplish many more remarkable milestones, securing the progress and development of our province.”
Rep. Benitez said the NOCC will be strategically located near the Bacolod-Silay Airport, and the junction of the Bacolod North Road, and is poised to become a vital hub.
“This certified green building will prioritize eco-friendly practices. With our vision for Metro Third and Negros Occidental as a convention hub in motion, this new center will host future conferences, conventions, cultural events, and social gatherings, enriching local culture and driving tourism by attracting more visitors and events to our province and cities,” the solon said in a statement.
He thanked Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo for ensuring that construction could start soon after six years of hard work and planning. “This center will not only boost development in Guinhalaran but also support our vision of making Negros a tourism and convention hub, attracting visitors and boosting the local economy.” | CGC
