Councilor seeks probe on Esplanade vandalism

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Councilor Caesar Distrito urged the Bacolod City Police Office to investigate and trace persons responsible for “vandalizing” the Bacolod City Esplanade.

Located near the Bacolod Government Center, the esplanade is expected to be completed soon.

In a radio interview, Distrito described the vandals as “kulang sa pansin.”

The incident was reported on social media.

The Bacolod Esplanade, a P37.2-million project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is similar to the Iloilo River Esplanade in Iloilo City.

The project is expected to be turned over to the local government on June 17 during the city’s Charter Day celebration.

Distrito said that under City Ordinance No. 534 (Anti-Vandalism Ordinance of 2011), first offense carries a fine of P1,000 and will increase to P3,000 on second offense, and P5,000 and jail term of one to six months on third offense.

Vandals attacked the esplanade after the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed an ordinance regulating the activities in the area on first reading last week.

The ordinance authored by Councilor Em Ang said the Bacolod City Esplanade was constructed primarily as a park where Bacoleños and tourists alike could relax and unwind.

“Its quality as a park should be preserved and maintained at all times,” Ang said.

She said the purpose of the ordinance is to preserve the quality, beauty and cleanliness, as well as the aesthetics of the park, and also to manage the esplanade well and minimize solid waste, and protect it from abuse.

The ordinance covers the entire area and premises of the esplanade, including the riverbank adjacent to it within 50 meters from its boundary line, stretching from east to west, and north to south.