Bacolod plaza, BCGC delayed as cost hits PHP 328 million

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The completion of the Heritage Plaza at Bacolod Public Plaza and the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds redevelopment projects has been moved to Jan. 27, 2027, as their combined contract cost increased from nearly PHP 300 million to more than PHP 328 million.

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) clarified the projects’ status in a letter to Mayor Greg Gasataya following his recent expression of frustration over delays in the two developments.

“We wish to clarify that the project remains ongoing, with the current approved/revised completion date set on January 27, 2027,” Assistant Chief Operating Officer Gregory Oller stated in the letter.

Oller said the project schedule was affected by several factors during implementation, including work suspensions, inclement weather, additional works and approved variation orders needed to address actual site conditions and project requirements.

TIEZA said the project team is closely monitoring the remaining works and coordinating with the contractor to ensure that the revised completion target is met.

The agency said additional works and project requirements were incorporated through variation orders during implementation, including some works originally contemplated as counterpart obligations of the city government.

TIEZA said it incorporated those works into the variation orders to facilitate completion and address actual site requirements, increasing both the scope and duration of the project.

The original contract cost of PHP 299,863,888.03 has increased to PHP 328,090,451.51, or by PHP 28,226,563.48.

The two projects were initially valued at PHP 80 million for the Heritage Plaza and PHP 220 million for the BCGC grounds redevelopment.

The revisions include PHP 4,848,825.27 for the revised board-up fence and PHP 7,006,882.81 for repairs related to typhoon damage.

Another PHP 16,370,855.40 covers additional works, including a power supply upgrade, a control room system at BCGC, soft and hard landscaping, and a revised structural design for the BCGC fountain.

The three adjustments total PHP 28,226,563.48, equivalent to the increase from the original to the revised contract cost.

TIEZA said the additional works and corresponding extensions were necessary to address actual field conditions and meet requirements for the completed facilities without compromising quality, functionality and safety.

The agency also cited delays in the city government’s review and approval of certain technical revisions, particularly those involving revised structural details, concrete floor topping works and mural finishing at the BCGC fountain.

TIEZA said the affected works could not proceed without the necessary technical direction and approval, forcing some activities to be deferred and rescheduled and affecting succeeding work.

The agency said it continuously coordinated with concerned city offices to resolve the technical issues while ensuring compliance with the city’s requirements.

Despite the setbacks, TIEZA said it has continued working with the contractor and the city government to address implementation issues and facilitate completion.

TIEZA said it has also noted the findings and concerns raised by the Mayor’s Office in its letter and accompanying site inspection reports and is treating them as matters requiring immediate action.

The contractor and project team will be directed to prioritize corrective and completion works involving drainage, surface ponding, lighting, unfinished installations, manholes, control systems and other identified deficiencies.

TIEZA assured the city government that it remains committed to completing the project in accordance with approved plans and specifications, applicable standards and the city’s expectations.

The agency also said it values the city’s continued cooperation and welcomed a joint inspection to verify corrective measures and the completion of remaining works.

The TIEZA-funded projects, which began in July 2025, aim to transform two of Bacolod’s most prominent public spaces through upgraded facilities, enhanced landscaping, modern lighting systems, water features and other infrastructure improvements.

TIEZA had earlier committed to complete the projects before this year’s MassKara Festival, but Gasataya expressed disappointment during a recent inspection of the public plaza.

Last week, Gasataya announced that restoration work at the plaza would resume after this month’s 47th MassKara Festival.

Meanwhile, the board-up fence around the BCGC fountain area was removed because the government center grounds are among the festival’s major venues.

Gasataya said substantial work remains on the projects.

“As much as possible, we want to be transparent,” he said.