Mayor mulls vendor ban at Esplanade

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Mayor Evelio Leonardia asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod to pass an ordinance prohibiting vendors from the Esplanade.

The Bacolod City Esplanade is set for inauguration on June 17, the eve of the Bacolod City Charter Day celebration on June 18.

“It must be free from vendors to maintain its peace and order,” Leonardia said.

Leonardia wrote Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran requesting the SP to pass an ordinance for this purpose.

The mayor informed Familiaran that he and lone district Rep. Greg Gasataya had a meeting with Ma. Regina Piccio, president of Fernando F. Gonzaga, Inc., who expressed concern over the possible proliferation of vendors at the Esplanade.

The Gonzagas donated the property on which the Bacolod City Government Center stands. The Bacolod City Esplanade is situated beside the government center, where the property adjoining the Esplanade is also owned by the Gonzagas.

Piccio suggested that an ordinance be passed regulating the activities at the Esplanade.

Leonardia said that while they are thankful to Gasataya for initiating the project, he also finds wisdom in Piccio’s request as the Esplanade shall become a “landmark and a tourist attraction of the city.”

The proposed ordinance shall regulate the activities at the Esplanade, including the construction of permanent and or temporary structures intended for vending, Leonardia said.

The Bacolod City Esplanade costs P37.2 million and is the first of its kind in the city, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- Bacolod City District Engineering Office.

District engineer Abraham Villareal earlier said the esplanade is part of the construction of 440.0-lineal meter revetment wall with floodwall along Lupit River in Bacolod City, including improvement of riverbanks.

The project involves the construction of 4,785-cubic meter rubble concrete structure (one side of the river) with a height of 9.0 lineal meters. The project also includes installation of concrete paving blocks, steel railings and lamp posts.

“The project has a dual purpose. It will serve as protection of the riverbanks from possible erosion as well as a good venue for the recreation, social, and fitness activities of the Bacoleños and tourists,” Villareal said.