Mayor Alfredo Maranon III, Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. and other officials led the soft launching of the newly renovated Sagay City Public Plaza Monday, February 14.
Marañon said the plaza was designed to be an environment and family-friendly recreational facility where Sagaynons and guests can enjoy green open spaces, bring their family for bonding while inspiring residents to stay fit and healthy.
“One of our intentions is to preserve the heritage of Sagay while infusing a modern take in our plaza,” Marañon said.
The plaza will provide inclusive opportunities for local entrepreneurs and local producers, he also said.
“As much as we can, we will urge them to avoid single-use plastic and support local farmers, fisherfolks and producers,” he said.
Vice Mayor Javelosa urges residents to help keep and maintain the plaza by following rules and guidelines and keep themselves safe as we still face this pandemic.
Among the features of the 1.5 hectare plaza are:
• Paved walkways that will promote active walking and jogging
• Integrated sound and lights system
• Musical lights fountain
• Fitness Area
• Renovated Sagay City Activity Center (formerly Taliambong)
• Sagay City Showroom and Farmer’s Café
• Promenade with 24 food kiosks with space for entertainment
• CCTV equipment
• Landscaping, including Palawan-cherry trees
The design inspiration of the City Engineering Office led by Engr. Jezreel Alingco were the tree of life, rivers and seascapes of Sagay.
The renovation was funded by the national government under the LGSF-AC, Negros Occidental Second Congressional District and the local government of Sagay, while the playground was previously donated by Super Lucky Beagler Inc.
Among those preserved are the ILCO Train No. 7, stage, stone cone, Rotary Sundial, Rizal monument and the trees.
The plaza was donated in 1967 by Sir Arthur Cooper and Dona Rosario Cooper in honor of Dona Maria Lopez.
In 1974, the late Zonzayda Pilla led the landscaping of the plaza to include in the permanent structure were the stage originally designed with falls and stone cone.
In 1997, the late Edgar Sarrosa and wife Sonia donated the ILCO train no. 7 known as the Legendary Siete, which has become an important movable cultural property of the City.
The plaza will be in full operation in March to include the opening of the food court and product showroom and farmer’s café’.
The dancing fountain will be played every 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.. Songs to be played are original compositions showcasing Sagaynon artistry.
Sagay City is also set to complete and start various construction projects such as the new bus transport terminal, sports gymnasium, second phase of Old Sagay Feeder Port, Himoga-an PRDP Bridge, Old Sagay Visitor Center and Port Office, Vito Visitor Center, repair of Suyac Island Mangrove Ecopark among other infrastructure projects lined up, the press release said.*