By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Occidental provincial government has completed the repair of the vandalized public comfort rooms at the Capitol Park and Lagoon while strengthening security measures to prevent similar incidents.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the damaged facilities were immediately fixed following reports that parts of the newly opened comfort rooms had been vandalized.

According to Diaz, the repairs included replacing the damaged doorknob, securing dislodged tiles, and addressing issues in the water closet to restore the facility for public use.

Despite the quick repairs, Diaz expressed dismay over the incident, emphasizing the importance of protecting public infrastructure.

“We strongly oppose the destruction of public property. Facilities like these are communal assets, and people should treat them as if they were their own,” he said.

To prevent future acts of vandalism, Diaz said security personnel assigned to the lagoon have been directed to be more vigilant in monitoring the area.

“Our guards and attendants were instructed to be more observant,” he added.

Diaz also revealed that employees encountered children believed to be responsible for the damage.

The comfort rooms were only recently completed and were formally inaugurated and blessed on February 13, as part of the provincial government’s continuing efforts to improve public amenities and services for residents and visitors in Bacolod./CJ, WDJ