Foodman Industries Corporation President James Chua recently turned over 1,000 koi fish to the Bacolod City government, which were released into the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) fountain over the weekend.

Present at the ceremonial release and feeding of the fish were the Chua family; Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia; Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran; Bacolod Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya; City Councilor Renecito Novero; Environmental Management Bureau-Negros Island Region director Sophie Manuel; Philippine Coast Guard-Bacolod commander Lt. Jimmy Oliver Vingno; among others.

The mayor thanked Chua for the donation, along with Brian CY Tan and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary 607th Squadron, who assisted in the transport of the fish.

He also called Chua’s effort an “inspiration,” saying the donation of fish represents a public-private partnership for the environment.

Leonardia added, the fountain is unique to the BCGC, noting, “The government center is the most photographed City Hall in the Philippines.”/WDJ