Bacolod Mayor: P2.1B Super City Projects Not a Loan

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo Albee Benitez clarified that the ₱2.1 billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project with High Data Infra Inc. will not be funded through a loan.

On Monday, March 3, 2025, Benitez signed the ₱2.1 billion Build-Transfer-Maintain Agreement with High Data Infra Inc. to establish a centralized command center, intelligent street lamp poles with video surveillance analytics, a property and tax assessment system, and a geographical information system. These initiatives aim to transform Bacolod into a “Super City.”

“It is not a loan,” the mayor emphasized during the signing ceremony.

Joining Benitez at the signing were Assistant Secretary Eleazar E. Ricote of the PPP Center, High Data Infra Inc. representative Danny Fernandez, and Councilor Al Victor Espino.

The ceremony, held at the Bacolod Government Center lobby, was witnessed by Councilors Celia Flor, Vladimir Gonzalez, Jason Villarosa, Kalaw Puentevella, Thaddy Sayson, and other city officials.

The mayor described the project as a milestone initiative that will drive progress and innovation in Bacolod.

“From day one, this administration has been committed to transforming Bacolod into a super city by integrating modern technology into our daily transactions,” Benitez said.

He added that after two and a half years, the city has reached a landmark agreement that will usher Bacolod into a new era.

“This is a moment we can all take pride in—Bacolod is moving forward in its commitment,” he said.

The ₱2.1 billion, 10-year project will be funded through the General Fund and implemented in phases, according to the Bacolod City Public Information Office.

The first phase will focus on E-Governance, which is deemed the most feasible for immediate execution. Subsequent phases will include the establishment of Command Center Infrastructure and the deployment of Intelligent Street Lamp Poles equipped with dynamic cameras for traffic, people, and flood monitoring, as well as portable HuliCam cameras.

The Intelligent Street Lamp Poles are expected to enhance traffic management, improve safety and security, boost energy efficiency, facilitate public communication, and provide environmental monitoring.

This strategic partnership underscores Bacolod’s commitment to becoming a more connected, efficient, and future-ready city by leveraging private sector expertise to enhance public services.

The signing event was attended by City Councilors Thaddy Sayson, Jason Villarosa, Celia Flor, Kalaw Puentevella, Danna Barzo, Al Espino, Vladimir Gonzalez, Simple Distrito, Ising Salanga, and Pao Sy. Also present were Deputy Executive Director ASEC Eleazar Ricote, Public-Private Partnership Center representative Mary Anne Evangelista, DILG Bacolod Director Christian Nagaynay, and other department heads.

This collaboration represents another major step in modernizing Bacolod’s infrastructure, setting the stage for sustainable urban development and improved public service delivery.