By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

The Bacolod City government will hold public hearings on the proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2027-2038, a vital planning document that will guide the city’s growth, development and land use policies, on Tuesday, July 7.

City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) head Dr. Mary Jean Ramos said the public hearing was originally scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, but due to important events at the City Mayor’s Office, it was rescheduled for Tuesday.

The hearing will be held in the lobby of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).

She said representatives from the city’s 61 barangays, along with various government agencies, will attend the public hearing.

Following the July 7 hearing, another public hearing will be conducted on Thursday, July 9, for property owners, including those from the agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.

The CPDO will also hold a public hearing for the youth sector and sectoral organizations or associations at the BCGC on Friday, July 10.

Ramos said the public hearings are being conducted to ensure an inclusive and participatory planning process by gathering inputs and recommendations from stakeholders.

“This consultation will provide stakeholders with the opportunity to share their perspectives and concerns regarding land use — including agricultural, residential, industrial, institutional, public recreation and open spaces, agri-industrial, infrastructure, and transportation — as well as other matters affecting the growth, sustainability and resilience of Bacolod City,” she said.

Ramos emphasized that the city government encourages all stakeholders to actively participate in these public hearings and consultations and to submit their respective position papers, along with a vicinity map or other relevant supporting documents, subject to the evaluation of the Bacolod City Public Hearing and Consultation Board./MAP, WDJ