By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Despite the Negros Occidental Provincial Board approving the construction of the P4 million Negros First Animal Hub back in February, initially reported to cost P10 million, which will be used as a venue for local stock raisers to sell livestock and meat products, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. revealed he was unaware of the facility’s construction.

The governor noted he only learned about it on the opening day of the Panaad sa Negros Festival over the weekend.

During a press conference yesterday, the governor said, amid the construction, Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Renante Decena, was on leave; while Special Project and Concerns Department head and main organizer for the Panaad sa Negros Festival Ian de Ramos passed away.

The issue was recently brought forward after I Watch Negros Occidental, Inc. found the construction project had not gone through a bidding process.

“I do not even know who is the contractor,” the governor added.

He said the contractor built the structure inside the Panaad Park and Stadium on their own.

The governor affirmed he would not pay for the structure since he did not sign any documents related to the construction. However, Marañon pointed out, since the land within the Panaad Park and Stadium grounds is government property, the provincial government will claim the structure as theirs.

The governor also stated the construction of the facility was stopped, noting it was between 80 to 95 percent complete. According to a report back in February, the facility was expected to be opened in time for the festival.

The facility includes animal pens with rails, a drainage system, auctioneer’s bleachers, and an administration building.

According to the earlier report, Decena said, “In this facility, producers will no longer need middlemen as they could sell their products directly to consumers, which could give them more profit.”

The Panaad sa Negros Festival livestock festival is currently being held in the said facility./DGB, WDJ