BACOLOD City – City officials welcomed the recommendation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Western Visayas to visit Bacolod City as a “must-experience” destination – and as a viable excursion alternative to recently-closed Boracay Island.
The DOT-6 suggested eight tourist destinations each in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, and Iloilo, and the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo, while Boracay Island is undergoing a six-month rehabilitation until the last week of October.
Topping the list of recommended places in this city is the Bacolod City Government Center situated along the Circumferential Road.
The structure is popularly known as the “NGC,” or the New Government Center among Bacolodnons.
It’s a surprise but it comes with much pride when the NGC was included in the DOT tourist advisory, said Mayor Evelio Leonardia in a statement over the weekend.
“It strengthened the image of NGC as an icon of Bacolod and validates its reputation as a tourist destination,” the mayor said.
We can say “you have not been to Bacolod if you have not have been to NGC,” he added.
Also listed as “must-experience” destinations in Bacolod are the Negros Museum, Negros Forest Ecological and Biodiversity Foundation, Bacolod Public Plaza and Bandstand, San Sebastian Cathedral and Bishop Palace, Barangay sang Birhen Chapel, Panaad Park and Stadium, and Pope John Paul II Tower.
Councilor Em Ang, who chairs the City Council committee on tourism, said that now is a good opportunity to highlight and showcase the other beautiful destinations in Western Visayas, including Bacolod.
“While we may not have Boracay’s white sand beaches, Bacolod is one of the country’s best places to visit for a heritage, art, culture and food trip,” she added.
Ang noted that it is the task of the neighboring localities to attract the would-be Boracay visitors and show them that other towns and cities in the region are just as worthy of their visit. (PNA)
