BACOLOD City has something to look forward to before the year ends – a new seaport terminal.
The Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. (Bredco) had a soft opening of its new terminal this week.
The P360 million world-class seaport terminal has several amenities for the passengers like VIP room, prayer room, and kids playroom.
The air-conditioned terminal will also have free Wi-Fi and other facilities like x-ray machines and for persons with disability.
Bredco president John Alonte said the facility is still on a “dry run” to make sure there will be no glitches once it fully operates this October, which is in time for the MassKara Festival.
Currently, it is being used by 2Go Fastcrafts. The terminal opens its doors for actual passengers every other day.
Moreover, the Bredco management is eyeing to bring the port to “the next level,” but they need a strategic investor.
Enter business tycoon Lucio Co. He was invited to invest in a multi-billion development of the port at the Reclamation Area here.
Alonte said he invited Co to be a prime partner because the latter was his friend and they have done business partnerships together. He added the tycoon is one of the taipans in the country.
Co and his wife Susan were listed by Forbes as the 11th wealthiest people in the Philippines with a real-time net worth of $1.5 billion. The couple, who started one hypermarket in 1998 at Mandaluyong City, now owns around 300 Puregold Price Club stores. They also have interests in gaming, hotels and wine distribution.
Alonte and Co have been talking, but they have not closed the deal yet.
With this impending venture, once it comes to fruition, will bring business opportunities to the city and the people, as well as boost its economy.