February 7, 2025- The City of Bacolod, spearheaded by the City Planning and Development Office, conducted a public consultation today at L’Fisher Hotel with property owners and developers, focused on updating the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the planning period 2027-2036. This initiative is in line with Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code) and Executive Order No. 72 Series of 1993, which mandates local governments to periodically update their Comprehensive Land Use Plans.
Congressman Greg Gasataya delivered the welcome message, followed by Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez, who emphasized the collaborative nature of the city’s development. “Progress in Bacolod cannot be achieved by one person alone. It requires the involvement of all stakeholders to make it possible and successful,” he stated. “This summit is a step toward shaping the city’s future.”
Architect Carlos Arnaiz then presented the master plan, which is guided by two key goals: building mobility infrastructure and enhancing resiliency. Arnaiz described the master plan as strategic, visionary, and adaptable, aiming to create a plan that is both implementable and flexible, with multiple purposes to serve the city’s future needs.
The event concluded with an open forum where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions. Mayor Benitez, Congressman Gasataya, and Architect Arnaiz addressed various concerns raised by the public, covering topics such as road networks, the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, water and electricity systems, traffic management, tourism sites, public utility routes along the Bacolod-Silay Airport road, and the development of a large library. Other topics included addressing informal settler families and suggestions for a city-wide color scheme.
Present at the event were Bacolod Councilors Kalaw Puentevella, Thaddy Sayson, Celia Flor, Vladimir Gonzales, Cindy Rojas, Jason Villarosa, Em Ang, and Al Espino. Former Mayor and Congressman Monico Puentevella also attended, alongside key figures from various government agencies, including Dr. Mary Jean Ramos, City Planning and Development Head, Dr. Lucille Gelvolea, City Administrator, Dr. Mae Llamas, Head of LEDIPO, and representatives from Negros Power, DPWH, PLDT, PHINMA and the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by President Atty. Juliana Carbon.
The consultation marked a significant step in the city’s efforts to plan and prepare for its future growth, ensuring that Bacolod remains a resilient, sustainable, and well-planned city for years to come.
Watch the video on the Bacolod Urban Master Plan 2050 here: https://tinyurl.com/Bacolod2050
Source – Bacolod City PIO
