THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allocated P40 million for the construction of Esplanade in Bacolod City.

Bacolod District Engineer Abraham Villareal said on Monday, March 26, that they already started the construction of the half-kilometer esplanade project from Lupit Bridge along the Circumferential Road going to the Bacolod Government Center (BGC), adding it will be similar to the esplanade in Iloilo City.

He said it is part of their plan to put up benches, railings, lighting facilities and blocks to make the area more attractive and it is expected to be finished by October.

Esplanade is a long, open, level area, typically beside sea or river, along which people may walk for pleasure.

Villareal said this will be the first esplanade construction in Bacolod.

"The Esplanade was visualized by DPWH Secretary Mark Villar since we have a legal easement of our riverbanks that can be developed into a place where people can promenade and serve as a park, and it was supported by the city officials," he said.

After the construction, the management of the esplanade will be turned over to the City Government to ensure that there will be no illegal settlers in the area.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said this project was implemented through the effort of Congressman Greg Gasataya and they already held a meeting with the landowner of the BGC.

He said they will make a memorandum of agreement with the landowner to ensure that there will be no illegal settlers in the Esplanade area.

The mayor also talked with real-estate developer Megaworld to construct an esplanade within their property near the BGC.

Leonardia said he is hopeful that this will become an extension of the BGC where people come here to enjoy. (MAP/SunStar Bacolod)