DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Western Visayas Director Nerie Bueno has ordered the contractor to expedite the construction of the Bacolod City Museum/Auditorium.
Bueno, who earlier inspected the construction site in the city’s Barangay Alijis, in a statement, said she already instructed the project engineer to closely monitor the project implementation and to have it delivered on time.
“If possible, we should work round-the-clock and stay hands-on to ensure that our projects are implemented as scheduled,” she added.
The DPWH official said they want to fast-track various projects in the region, especially those that are undertaken by the regional line agency to facilitate the timely implementation.
Bueno, however, said that factors like unfavorable weather conditions and restrictions due to coronavirus disease (Covid-19) may hinder the timely completion of the project.
She also reminded the people on site to follow the necessary health and safety requirements.
“In as much as we want to finish the project on time, we do not want to put at stake the health and safety of our people in the field," Bueno said.
Bueno also instructed the DPWH in Bacolod City to make sure that their workers are properly managed.
The project was facilitated by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who is sourcing the funds from the national government.
The Bacolod City Museum/Auditorium was dubbed as a remembrance of the historic events, culture, artistry and adroitness of the Negrenses who reside in Negros island in the early era.
The P213-million structure, funded under the region’s Fiscal Year 2020 and 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA), involves construction of a two-storey museum/auditorium with a floor area of approximately 4,800 square meters.
Divided into two phases, an initial amount of P163 million was released in the year 2020 for the construction of phase 1 to include the design and building of the main structure, which is already more than halfway done.
Phase 2, with the funding allocation of P50 million will be for the provision of the architectural features.
Bueno said this building will serve as an institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the primary tangible evidence of humankind and the environment, with an auditorium to enable people to hear and watch various performances.
As a green building certified project, she said, the museum will be sustainable, using environmentally-friendly, responsible and energy-efficient materials and facilities.
“Bacolod Museum will also serve as a major tourist attraction in the province. It will usher in a brand new era of cultural preservation in Bacolod City. It is also expected to contribute to the education, cultural and tourism goals of the city, and aid in its economic and cultural revitalization,” she added.*