THE Bacolod City Government has unveiled the proposed Urban Master Plan 2050 on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, along with Greg Gasataya, the representative of the Lone District of Bacolod, presented the Bacolod Urban Master Plan 2050 to various stakeholders, investors, real estate developers and business establishment owners.
Architect and urban design consultant Carlos Arnaiz discussed the proposed master plan. He is the founder and principal of Carlos Arnaiz Architects, and chief executive officer and co-founder of Studio for Urban Analysis.
Future problems
In recognition of Bacolod City’s major development, Benitez said they will prioritize addressing future problems brought about by development.
“We will make sure that our roads and transportation are properly designed and oriented in the specific development. At the same time, we will focus on how to handle
water during the rainy season or in case of floods. It’s really about mobility and sustainability,” he said.
He added that stakeholders were happy and expressed their support for the city’s master plan.
The mayor noted that they will consolidate all the suggestions and proposals from various stakeholders before making a final presentation.
“After our final presentation, we will include it in our laws to align with our master plan. It’s a sustainable development plan for the next 25 years, but every five years, there will be a review to determine possible changes or amendments,” Benitez said.
For now, he said, they will identify the ongoing development in the city to address public transportation.
In 2024, the mayor also presented Bacolod’s master plan and held public consultations to discuss the stakeholders’ development agenda.
The city’s master plan includes priority projects and programs focused on effective governance, a vibrant and diversified economy, environmental security, social development and protection and the creation of smart, green urban centers. (MAP)