In response to a request for an elevated walkway across Araneta Street in front of Negros Occidental High School (NOHS), Department of the Interior and Local Government-Office of Project Development Services (DILG-OPDS) Director IV Rolyn Zambales said in a letter to Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, “We regret to inform you that we cannot accommodate the request.”
The DILG official explained, “The department has no capital outlay to fund such a project.” However, she suggested the city government could include the proposal as a priority initiative of the Local Development Investment Program in order for it to be considered in the national government’s allocation for priority projects.
Zambales also recommended the city government submit the proposal to the Department of Budget and Management for possible funding under the local government support fund-financial assistance to local government units.
Earlier, the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod requested Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar to sponsor construction of the structure.
The resolution, authored by City Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr., said the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office has received numerous complaints regarding frequent accidents involving pedestrians who cross the street near the NOHS front gate.
“The overpass will not only contribute to smooth traffic flow along Araneta Street but will also ensure the safety of pedestrians,” the resolution read./DGB, WDJ