Gasataya hits TIEZA delays in PHP 80-million plaza project

BACOLOD CITY — “I am at loss for words.”

Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed frustration over the unfinished PHP 80-million Heritage Plaza redevelopment project of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority at the Bacolod public plaza as the city prepares for the MassKara Festival.

Gasataya sent a letter Wednesday to TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid informing him of problems he observed during a recent inspection of the project’s physical and operational readiness.

The mayor was accompanied by representatives of the City Engineer’s Office, who conducted a technical assessment of the plaza Tuesday night.

Gasataya said in the letter that while the city had eagerly anticipated using the plaza during MassKara, he was disheartened by what he saw during the inspection.

Technical evaluations found severe drainage failures, surface ponding, unsecured nozzles, absent float valves and nonfunctional lighting, according to the mayor.

Gasataya also cited unfinished installations, protruding deteriorated manholes and undemonstrated control sequences as immediate safety hazards requiring urgent attention.

“The Bacolod Public Plaza holds immense historical and cultural significance for our city and its people. As a central landmark and the traditional heart of our civic gatherings, it serves as a proud showcase of Bacolod’s heritage,” Gasataya said.

Given the plaza’s role in public life and local tourism, Gasataya said redevelopment work should meet high standards of safety, functionality and aesthetics.

The city government asked TIEZA to intervene and require the contractors to carry out the necessary corrective measures.

Gasataya said the city remains available for a joint inspection once TIEZA formally confirms that all documented defects have been addressed.

Lapid met with Gasataya in July and committed to completing two TIEZA-funded redevelopment projects worth a combined PHP 300 million before the MassKara Festival in October.

The projects include the PHP 220-million renovation of the Bacolod City Government Center grounds and the PHP 80-million Heritage Plaza redevelopment.

Gasataya had already raised concerns in early June over delays in completing the projects, prompting a meeting with local TIEZA officials for an update.

TIEZA earlier said the BCGC grounds and Heritage Plaza projects would be completed by August and turned over in September, a month before the festival.

The redevelopment, which began in July 2025, aims to modernize two of Bacolod’s major public spaces through improved landscaping, modern lighting systems, water features and upgraded infrastructure.

“Since I had already given them a timeline of what they had committed to finish before MassKara, I allowed them some time. However, after visiting the plaza, I was really disheartened by what I saw. There are still many things that really need to be immediately improved and replaced,” Gasataya said in Wednesday’s media interview.

Gasataya also expressed disappointment over the condition of the plaza and said it should be cleaned and restored to its original state before the redevelopment began.

He also raised concerns over landscaping that he said should not simply be left in its current condition.

Gasataya said project representatives insisted some of the work was not included in the Program of Works.

But he said areas affected during construction should still be addressed even if the specific work was not listed in the program.

Gasataya said some areas need cleaning, while deteriorated features need to be repaired or replaced by the contractor.

Bacolod City is the beneficiary of the projects, but implementation is being handled by the national government, which conducted the bidding and is responsible for carrying out the work.

“Our role is to point out what we see, especially when there are things that should not be left as they are,” he said.

“My position remains the same: if something was already there prior to the development of the plaza, I cannot accept it simply being neglected or left in a worse condition,” he said. “This is more than just disappointment.”

Gasataya welcomed the plaza’s multicolored lighting, which he said was properly installed.

He said existing plants, grass and other landscaping elements should be restored rather than left unattended when the project is turned over.

He also noted areas where soil had been piled along the sides and other portions remained unfinished.

“We are already on the verge of opening MassKara, and we expect thousands of people to visit the plaza. We cannot simply afford to ignore the situation,” he said.

“I have already given them the time they asked for. I kept quiet and observed what was happening because they had told us that they would finish the work,” he added.

Gasataya said TIEZA had committed to completing the work by the second week of September, before MassKara.

“I hope this will not be the last straw from my part. I am still giving them time,” he added.

The mayor said the city continues to help with cleaning and maintenance despite not being the implementing agency.

“We are all from government, and we cannot simply allow things to be neglected,” he added.

Gasataya said he remains hopeful that TIEZA will address the remaining problems.

“At this point, I will just wait because, honestly, I am already tired. It is heartbreaking,” he said.

“We do not want to pass judgment. It is just heartbreaking for someone who grew up in Bacolod and has been going to the plaza for years,” he said.

Gasataya said there is a clear difference between expectations for the redevelopment and what has been delivered.

Despite the issues, scheduled MassKara activities at the public plaza will proceed.

The plaza will again serve as one of the venues for this year’s festival, showcasing the talent, creativity, stories and spirit of Bacolodnons.

Community-driven events will involve performers, young artists, market vendors, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ groups, youth, women, tricycle operators and drivers’ association members, and other sectors.

Under the theme “Share The Smile. Celebrate Gugma,” the plaza will host competitions and activities from Oct. 9 to 16.

The celebration opens Oct. 9 with the Choreographers Face Off featuring homegrown dance talents representing different barangays.

The event will showcase choreography, creativity, movement and Bacolod’s local dance culture.

An interschool drum and lyre corps competition will be held Oct. 10 for elementary and high school students to demonstrate discipline, teamwork, musicality and performance skills.

The elementary category includes Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. Elementary School, Handumanan Elementary School I, Handumanan Elementary School II, Antonio Jayme Elementary School, Bata Elementary School, Banago Elementary School I, Corazon L. Montelibano Elementary School, Education and Training Center School II, and Patricia Elementary School.

The high school category includes Luisa Medel National High School, Domingo Lacson National High School and Handumanan National High School.

The plaza will host Market Day from Oct. 11 to 12, featuring vendors from the city’s major public markets and highlighting entrepreneurs who contribute to Bacolod’s local economy.

Bidang Sektor will also take the plaza stage Oct. 12, showcasing talent and representation from different sectors of Bacolod society.

SINGKARA 2026 – Teens Edition will feature Bacolodnons ages 12 to 17 in a citywide singing competition designed to develop confidence, vocal ability, stage presence, performance skills and musical interpretation.

The plaza will also host TODA Day 2026, featuring competitions for the city’s tricycle drivers and operators.

MassKareppin’ Rekta sa Kalye Vol. 2 will showcase street and hip-hop culture through an interbarangay dance competition.

Kiosks have also been set up around the public plaza ahead of the festival, offering chicken inasal, seafood, other food and beverages to festivalgoers.