THE City of Victorias is developing the Malugo River as the city’s next ecotourism site positioned to bring in more investments.
Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca said they are hosting the first triathlon competition in the city on September 25, which will gather participants from different parts of Negros Occidental and other provinces in Visayas and Luzon.
Palanca said the swim part of the triathlon will be held at Malugo River while the bike and run segments will be in other parts of Victorias as well as in nearby areas such as Silay City, E.B. Magalona, and Manapla.
“Through this activity, we would like to tell the world that the Malugo River has remained clean and preserved,” the mayor said, adding that the City Government is now set to discuss with the land owner the plan of converting the area as an ecotourism site.
The river, situated at Barangay 13 in Victorias City, also reaches E.B. Magalona town and Silay City.
Part of the city’s development plan for Malugo River is putting up a boulevard on its side and other tourism amenities for kayaking, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and floating restaurant, among others.
Palanca said they aim to start the development this year, which will be fully completed in one to two years.
Through the support of Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez, Palanca said they are also working on completing the construction of the river-wall in the area.
The City Government has also submitted a road rehabilitation project proposal to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“The development is open to all sectors, but we would like to start the initiative of putting up the infrastructure,” Palanca said.
Meanwhile, other projects Victorias City is currently working on include the P150-million development of the Gawahon Eco Park through the Department of Tourism, and a 20-room hotel at the city proper.
Through the Philippine Ports Authority, Victorias is also building P150-million port that will host roll-on, roll-off vessels plying the Victorias-Banate and Ajuy, Iloilo route.