Bacolod plaza restoration to resume after MassKara Festival

BACOLOD CITY — Amid growing criticism and frustration over the condition of the Bacolod Public Plaza, Mayor Greg Gasataya announced Friday that restoration work on the historic site will resume after this month’s 47th MassKara Festival.

The decision came after a meeting with representatives of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the contractor and Bacolod Rep. and House Deputy Speaker Alfredo “Albee” Benitez following an inspection Thursday of the PHP 80 million Heritage Plaza redevelopment project.

The discussion focused on a checklist of concerns and the letter Gasataya recently sent to TIEZA requesting its prompt intervention to compel the contractor to carry out necessary corrective measures.

Gasataya said it was agreed that the work should be completed after MassKara.

He said remaining work that could affect the celebration, particularly on the plaza flooring and fountain, should be carefully managed.

During the inspection, Gasataya said there was a clear difference between what had been presented to them and what they actually saw on the ground.

He said they agreed to complete the project after MassKara, particularly the landscaping and greening of the plaza, while allowing necessary work to continue to ensure public safety.

A team was tasked to gather suggestions and recommendations regarding the plaza.

Once the team, composed of representatives from different groups in Bacolod, is reconvened, the city government will present its recommendations to TIEZA on what should be restored at the plaza.

TIEZA, the project’s implementing agency, will have to undertake the necessary restoration work based on the recommendations of the different groups in Bacolod.

For now, Gasataya said the city is doing what it can to assist, particularly because of the MassKara celebration.

“Whatever resources are available to us for cleaning and maintaining the area, we will use them as needed.”

Gasataya said there should be no major changes for now until the plaza flooring and other ongoing work are completed.

He said the city has been monitoring the project and that he expressed disappointment during an inspection earlier this week after noting several concerns that still needed to be addressed.

Gasataya explained that the city will continue to monitor the project and submit reports and recommendations to TIEZA.

He said the city can only provide recommendations and raise concerns over the project’s implementation because it has no direct control over the contractor.

TIEZA representatives flew to Bacolod on Wednesday night and met with the mayor after he raised concerns over defects and unfinished work at the plaza.

“The moment na indi siya ma improve compared to the physical appearance now. Pasensyahanay ta. Ganoon ako nasasaktan. Masyadong masakit para sa taga Bacolod ang hitsura pag tiningnan niyo ngayon,” Gasataya told TIEZA representatives.

Gasataya said he is sentimental about the plaza’s current condition as someone who grew up in the city.

“Sana ayusin. Kayo na bahala especially with the landscape. The city is willing to assist whatever is needed. But we want to see that you’re serious enough to retain the state of the plaza. This is nothing personal, we mean work here. I hope you understand where I’m coming from. We want to preserve the Bacolod plaza,” he said.

For his part, Benitez, who also visited the plaza Thursday, said it was supposed to be a spectacular attraction but noted that what had been built was different from the proposed design presented earlier.

“Ngaa batunon mo kung indi ka nami-an,” Benitez said as he expressed support for Gasataya’s complaint.

“We will look into it,” the lawmaker said.

Benitez asked Bacolodnons to wait a little longer amid criticism of the plaza’s current condition, citing bureaucratic processes as a cause of the delay.

“Ang Bacolod City Public Plaza isa ka importante nga bahin sang aton syudad. Gani, dapat husto, functional, safe, manami kag nagakabagay sa Bacolod ang proyekto,” he said as he called for solutions and accountability.

The public plaza was partially opened this week because it is one of the major venues for the MassKara Festival.

TIEZA had earlier committed to completing the Heritage Plaza and Bacolod City Government Center projects by August and turning them over in September, ahead of the October festival.

Gasataya, meanwhile, said the boards surrounding the PHP 220 million project at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds are scheduled to be taken down Sunday.

The Heritage Plaza and government center projects, which began in July 2025, are funded by TIEZA and have a combined allocation of about PHP 300 million.

The redevelopment aims to transform two of the city’s most prominent public spaces through upgraded facilities, enhanced landscaping, modern lighting systems, water features and other infrastructure improvements.