PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. expressed support for the tourism projects of Bacolod City.
Megaworld senior assistant vice president and head of public relations and media affairs Harold Geronimo said Wednesday, May 2, that they will allot a land area for the welcome arch project for Bacolod in the boundary of Bacolod and Talisay along the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road, but the lot will not be donated to the City Government
"We will construct the welcome mark and the marker itself will be donated to the City Government, but the lot is still owned by the Megaworld," he said.
It was earlier reported that the lot will be donated to the City Government.
Megaworld is currently putting up the high-end project, Forbes Hill, in the area. They are also about to develop the 6,000 square-meter lot which is part of the welcome mark project.
Geronimo said they will develop the area into a tourism hub and they are still finalizing the plan.
"When Mayor Evelio Leonardia approached us and mentioned his vision of having a welcome mark for Bacolod, we feel that this is going to be a major tourist attraction for Bacolod," he said.
He added that Leonardia has some proposals to put up souvenir shops or parking area, but it's up to the Megaworld to develop the area.
Geronimo noted that Megaworld has been supportive to all, if not most, of the tourism initiatives of the government including those of the local government units where they are present.
"We are one with these visions when it comes to pushing for tourism. Since we are aligned with that vision, when he (Leonardia) requested for that project it is right and appropriate for us to support it and this is for the people of Bacolod," Geronimo said.
He said their legal team is now finalizing the memorandum of understanding with the City Government so they can give the terms on how they will be able to do the project with the city, and management of the area is still within the Megaworld.
"We are also finalizing the welcome mark design and it's a collaborative effort between our architect and the City Government," he added.
Geronimo said they will finish the project within this year.
Leonardia earlier said that this project is like the concept of the Las Vegas welcome area. (MAP)