Proposed policy was suggested by landowners
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

With the Bacolod Esplanade, a fixture located near the Bacolod City Government Center, set to be inaugurated on Monday, June 17, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia directed Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran to request the Sangguniang Panlungsod pass an ordinance barring vendors from the premises.
According to a letter penned by the mayor, following a meeting between himself, Bacolod City lone district Rep. Greg Gasataya, and Fernando F. Gonzaga Inc. President Ma. Regina Piccio, the latter expressed concern over the potential proliferation of vendors at the site.
The Bacolod Esplanade is constructed on property owned by the Gonzaga family.
Leonardia, meanwhile, said he “found reason” in the suggestion and forecasted the project would become a “landmark and tourist attraction of the city.”/DGB, WDJ