By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Bacolod Esplanade, a fixture located near the Bacolod City Government Center, is

scheduled to be inaugurated tonight at 7:00 p.m. According to Bacolod City District Engineering
Office head, Engr. Abraham Villareal, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
project worth P37 million will formally be turned over to the city government.
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia invited the public to witness a “switch-on” ceremony,
which will be followed by a fireworks display.
It was reported last week, the mayor 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./DGB, WDJ