THE Bacolod City Engineer’s Office (CEO) insisted that the Halandumon Tower, which costs P4.8 million, is not overpriced.

This, after several netizens on social media criticized the project when it was inaugurated on June 18.

Project engineer Loben Ceballos, of Bacolod CEO, said the Halandumon Tower at Gonzaga-Gatuslao streets was designed by architect Jico Monte.

He said that based on the program of works, the project is not overpriced.

The structure is made of steel materials, its column cover made of light wall concrete, and the Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting is programmable weather proof, Ceballos added.

The original plan of the height of the tower was 23 meters, but because of insufficient funds it was built in 14.9 meters, he said.

CEO records showed that the civil works cost P3.7 million, electrical cost P989,990, and the painting works P 154,610.

Councilor Em Ang said the Halandumon Tower is symbolic. It was built in commemoration of the 80th year of Bacolod last year, but because of some factors, the completion was delayed and it’s timely that it was finished this year’s June 18, the city’s Charter Day celebration.

She said the Halandumon Tower has eight columns that depict the sugarcane, a backbone of the city’s economy and in Negros Occidental.

“It’s eight, symbolizing eight decades of Bacolod as a City,” she added.

“Halandumon” is Hiligaynon for “memorable” or “worthy to be remembered.