Major Infra projects set for Negros Occidental

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced the ongoing implementation of several flagship infrastructure projects in Negros Occidental, aiming to significantly boost the region’s economic progress.

One key project is the Bacolod Negros Occidental Economic Highway (BANOCEH), an 8.8-kilometer road improvement initiative. This project involves the opening, concreting, and enhancement of the highway, including the construction and improvement of 16 bridges.

The BANOCEH spans from Junction Bacolod South Road, Brgy. Sum-ag in Bacolod City, to Victorias City Junction Bacolod North Road.

“BANOCEH is set to transform regional connectivity by reducing travel time from Bacolod to the Bacolod-Silay Airport by 25 minutes, down from the current 1 hour. This project is expected to benefit an average of 20,000 travelers daily,” DPWH-6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel said.

The project has an estimated cost of P7.389 billion.

Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Convention Center is set for construction in Silay City.

“This project encompasses the creation of a multi-purpose building to provide the community with a versatile space equipped to host a diverse range of activities,” Oropel said.

“From conferences and conventions to cultural events and social gatherings, this center will serve as a hub for community engagement and enrichment,” he added.

Two major infrastructure projects are also undergoing construction in Negros Occidental’s capital: the Bacolod City Museum and Bacolod City General Hospital.

The Bacolod City Museum is a P260 million project which involves the construction of a two-story museum and auditorium along the City Circumferential Road.

The development of the museum will be green and sustainable, using environmentally responsible and energy-efficient materials and facilities for the construction and maintenance of the building, according to DPWH-6.

Meanwhile, Oropel said the construction of the Bacolod City General Hospital Multi-Purpose Building will provide an additional facility that will adequately meet the healthcare needs of the residents of the province.

DPWH-6 is also undertaking the construction of the multi-purpose training and instructional facility/meetings, incentives, conferences for education, sports building (MICES), and primary health centers in Brgy. Vista Alegre in Bacolod City.