• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II has appealed to telecommunications companies to remove redundant posts and tangled or “spaghetti” wires surrounding the historic Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City as the province steps up preparations for the landmark’s centennial anniversary next year.
Diaz made the appeal as the provincial government continues efforts to improve the surroundings of the Capitol and highlight its architectural and historical significance.
“We are calling on the telcos to help us clean up their lines around the Capitol,” Diaz said, urging telecommunications firms to remove unused posts and wires that could detract from the landmark’s appearance.
He said the provincial government had already completed the pruning of trees around the Capitol grounds as part of its preparations, ensuring that no tree would rise higher than the historic building.
Diaz noted that tree management is intended to allow the Capitol’s architectural features to remain visible while also improving the overall appearance of its grounds.
The cleanup is being undertaken alongside a lighting project that will give the Capitol a more prominent appearance at night.
The Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) has committed to supporting the province’s centennial preparations through the installation of lighting facilities at the Capitol and electric posts surrounding the area.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Negros Power president and chief executive officer Roel Castro signed a memorandum of agreement on Aug. 13 for the project.
Under the agreement, Negros Power will provide the materials and undertake the installation, including bulbs, wiring and other necessary specifications, while the provincial government will handle maintenance after completion.
The province also plans to repaint the Capitol’s facades next year as part of the preparations for its 100th anniversary. Diaz said the combination of tree pruning, lighting improvements, repainting and the removal of unnecessary telecommunications infrastructure is aimed at restoring and enhancing the grandeur of the Provincial Capitol, a national cultural and historical treasure. | GPB
