Bacolod breaks ground on PHP47-M upland tree park

By Glazyl Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A new tourist attraction is set to rise in Bacolod’s upland Barangay Alangilan, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy outdoor activities.

City officials, led by Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez and Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for the P47-million Bacolod Tree Park on Wednesday.

“This is another milestone for the city,” Benitez said during the event.

The budget for the project is part of the P4.4 billion loan the local government secured from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

Benitez stated that while the entire master plan for the park is projected to cost P500 million, the city has allocated nearly P50 million for the first phase of development, covering about 10% of the overall plan.

“We will start with a few areas first. Hopefully, we can accelerate,” Benitez said, adding that they will also seek additional funding from the Department of Tourism (DOT) to complete the master plan.

The project is designed to encourage people to reconnect with nature and engage in outdoor activities, which have gained popularity since the pandemic.

“We have kinda neglected the beauty of nature, so we’re bringing it back,” the mayor explained. He emphasized that the park’s natural appeal, combined with its cool climate, would draw both locals and tourists.

Initially, construction will focus on the park’s entrance, along with picnic and glamping areas, which will include private jacuzzis.

Covering 8.7 hectares, the park will feature various amenities, such as a manmade lagoon, fishing and boating areas, walking trails, a tree museum, sensory gardens, a playground, a skywalk, and areas for glamping, camping, and picnics.

Other planned features include an endemic tree nursery, a biodiversity zone, a mobile camping area, and a parking area. “This is design and build, so we can make adjustments along the way,” Benitez noted.

The park will also offer overnight accommodations, primarily in tents, with a focus on a minimalist yet comfortable experience.

“The concept is very natural. The area will be mostly filled with tents. It’s very minimalist, but the comfort will be world-class,” he added.

Benitez also mentioned that the city will establish an economic enterprise to manage the park and monitor fees, assuring that charges will remain affordable to cover the park’s maintenance.

“Families, especially locals, will now have a place to go every weekend,” he concluded.