BAGOEÑOS have an outdoor niche to hang around with family and friends with the development of the Bantayan Park that spans within the 22-hectare property partly owned by City Government of Bago.
The Bantayan Park houses booths and pavilions which were built to symbolize the 24 villages in the city.
The panoramic Bago river that soothes the eyes and one's inner core further expresses the lovely ambiance and tone.
It is a hub for the locals who want to take a leisure walk or jog, eat out or have their morning coffee.
Local bikers also frequent the place to enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared in a 'Lutong Bahay' style.
On Sunday, July 19, Mayor Nicholas Yulo, Vice Mayor Ramon Torres, 4th District Board member Victor Javellana, Councilors Andrew Martin Torres, Victor Michael Javellana and Association of Barangay Captains President Sergio Piansay spent their free time over breakfast at Bantayan Park and discussed some concerns of the city in between their meal.
Mayor Yulo said the improvement of Bantayan park was realized with the infusion of funding from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in relation to its Green Green Green program.
The first phase of the park development was almost complete and further development was postponed when the coronavirus disease hit the province starting March, recording fewer cases in the city, and fortunately, without local transmission, Yulo pointed out.
"We have two phases to complete which hopefully will start next month," he said.
The development of the Bantayan Park is among the primary undertakings of the Yulo administration which included in the urbanization initiative of the city.
"Our people have a place to stay and enjoy,” Yulo said.
This will also invite investors as they set the place as a tourist destination right at the heart of the city.
Some of the developments will also include commercial spaces but the park mainly highlights the Bago river. The park itself has baywalk, a bike lane, and pedestrian which enables the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
The food market offers a new place for tourists to experience rich Bagoeño cuisine.
Vice Mayor Ramon Torres said the City Government is bent on developing Bantayan as a mixed-use area due to its huge potentials.
A Japanese group proposed to establish a port in this place, Torres said.
“Given more time and proper planning, we are optimistic to realize all these goals,” Torres added.
Both local officials, however, remind the locals and visitors to observe the health protocol as it is not yet the time to loosen our guards against Covid-19.
Wearing of face masks, maintaining physical distance and washing of hands are still the best preventive measures against Covid-19.