By CESAR JOLITO III

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has expressed support for major infrastructure projects being proposed in Silay City, saying these developments could strengthen tourism and investment in Negros Occidental.

Among the projects being pushed are the expansion of the Bacolod-Silay Airport and the construction of the Negros Occidental Convention Center.

Lacson said the province has long wanted further development at the airport, particularly improvements that could pave the way for international flights.

He also welcomed the planned convention center project, which he described as a long-envisioned development that could help attract more visitors to the province, especially those involved in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

Earlier, Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez said he is pushing for a 500-meter runway extension and terminal expansion at the Bacolod-Silay Airport to accommodate international operations and increase tourist arrivals.

Benitez said Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has committed funding support for the proposed runway extension.

The Department of Transportation has also allotted nearly P500 million for the airport terminal expansion, which aims to increase passenger capacity from 500 to 1,500.

Benitez said opening the airport to regular international flights would help draw more investors and tourists to Negros Occidental and nearby areas.

He noted that the airport last accommodated a chartered international flight from Kazakhstan in 2009.

Meanwhile, the planned Negros Occidental Convention Center in Silay City is expected to accommodate up to 6,200 guests once completed.

The project, estimated to cost P1 billion, is targeted for completion by late 2027 or early 2028.

The facilities are expected to strengthen Negros Occidental’s bid to become a major convention and events destination in the country./CJ, WDJ