Bacolod Tourism Projects Scrutinized Over Delays, Defects Ahead of MassKara Festival

A P300‑million Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) package aimed at revitalising Bacolod’s City Government Center fountain and the historic public plaza has fallen short of expectations. Though slated for completion in August, both works remain unfinished as the MassKara Festival begins. Mayor Greg Gasataya publicly condemned the state of the plaza, citing drainage failures, water pooling around the new fountain, unsecured nozzles, missing float valves, non‑functional lighting, unfinished installations, protruding manholes, and loss of grass. He has withheld acceptance documents pending corrective action. House Deputy Speaker Albee Benitez, former mayor, also criticized the deviation from the original design and questioned whether National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) clearance was obtained, as required by city ordinance and the National Cultural Heritage Act. The contractor, Amigo Entertainment Technologies Incorporated, holds the blueprints but has not provided Bills of Quantities, leaving the scope and cost of repairs unclear.