Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya conducted back-to-back inspections on Thursday, July 3, focusing on upgrading the Bacolod City Public Plaza for upcoming festivities and addressing drainage concerns in flood-prone barangays.
In preparation for the return of upcoming MassKara events to the city plaza, Gasataya ordered the pruning of overgrown trees, removal of old/damaged Christmas lights, and the repair of non-functional lamps.
He also ordered the siphoning of septic tanks, repair of comfort rooms, repainting of structures and removal of unnecessary objects, and coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority for the water fountain rehabilitation, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Group said.
Gasataya also inspected areas where chronic flooding occurs in Barangays 10 and 2 and found that garbage-clogged waterways were exacerbating the problem.
He also inspected the ongoing construction of a diversion channel aimed to redirect water flow from the congested creek.
Joining the mayor during the inspections were City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu, City Engineer’s Office OIC Loben Ceballos, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office OIC Allyn Luv Dignadice, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head Dr. Ma. Laarni Pornan, Office of the Building Official OIC Amy Tentia, General Services Office representatives and executive assistants.
From restoring the historic Bacolod Public Plaza to easing drainage problems, Gasataya emphasized that both beautification and basic services must go hand in hand in building a cleaner and safer Bacolod for all, the press release said.*