The Bacolod City government unveiled a proposed urban master plan yesterday that would enable this highly urbanized city to promote sustainable development in the next 25 years.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, together with Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya, showcased the Bacolod Urban Master Plan 2050 in a presentation attended by business leaders, developers, and representatives of various sectors.
“The reception of the stakeholders, they are happy that we get them involved in planning the city. They are happy and very supportive. We don’t want it to happen that, with fast development, we will reach a time that we will have problems. We want to avoid future problems brought about by development,” Benitez said.
The proposed master plan and urban design were presented by architect and urban design consultant Carlos Arnaiz, the founder and principal of Carlos Arnaiz Architects and chief executive officer and co-founder of Studio for Urban Analysis.
In his presentation, Arnaiz introduced Bacolod as “the next big story,” describing it as part of the rising prominence of Southeast Asian secondary cities with the presence of a young, diverse, educated, and English-speaking population.
“This integrated plan emphasizes sustainable urban development, mobility, and ecological resilience across Bacolod city’s zones. It is leveraging natural water bodies and green technologies to create a vibrant, thriving, and future-proof city,” he said.
In the urban vision for Bacolod, he highlighted mobility and ecology for “fast transit and a green city that creates a seamless and vibrant lifestyle.”
The proposed development of the four city zones, starts with Zone 1: Central Business District, with an integrated mobility for a 15-minute city.
A 15-minute city is a model wherein residents can access their basic needs within a 15-minute walk or bicycle ride.
For this zone, the proposal centers on the development of a multi-level commercial complex near Bredco Port, with an integrated public transport hub.
The proposed Zone 2: Waterfront Development focuses on sustainable waterfront and blue economy. It seeks to establish a flood-resilient industrial park along the Catmon River and Banago Creek using bioswales (linear, vegetated ditches that allow the collection, conveyance, filtration, and infiltration of stormwater), permeable paving, and retention ponds to control water flow and minimize flood risk.
For Zone 3: Commercial Corridors and Rivers, highlighting resilient ecological corridors and agri-tourism, being proposed is the creation of a riverside commercial promenade along the Ngalan River and Lupit River, featuring flood defenses, such as bioswales, and incorporating parks, walkways, and outdoor markets.
Meanwhile, the Zone 4: Mixed-Use Development near Water Bodies focuses on eco-friendly urban expansion to transform the old airport site into a mixed-use eco-industrial district near the Magsungay River and Sapang Manliit. (PNA)