ILOILO City – The first esplanade in Bacolod City is now ready for public use that will serve as venue for recreational and fitness activities, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bacolod City District Engineering Office.
District engineer Abraham Villareal said the esplanade is part of the construction of 440.0-lineal meter revetment wall with floodwall along Lupit River in Bacolod City, including improvement of riverbanks.
The project, amounting to P37.201 million, involves construction of 4,785-cubic meter rubble concrete structure (one side of the river) with the height of 9.0 lineal meters. The project also includes installation of concrete paving blocks, steel railings and lamp posts.
“The project is dual purpose. It will serve as protection of the riverbanks from possible erosion as well as a good venue for the recreation, social and fitness activities of the Bacoleños and tourists,” Villareal said.
“This first esplanade in Bacolod City was conceptualized not mainly to support and protect the riverbank from erosion but at the same time to provide venue for the people and visitors of Bacolod City, for their relaxation, exercising and camping, a more conducive and beautiful scenic place especially during sunrise and sunset,” he added.
Assistant district engineer Leah G. Jamero also said that fitness enthusiasts could use the esplanade as additional venue for their activities, other than the usual fitness area around Bacolod Government Center.
“The esplanade can be used for jogging, walking and other fitness activities of at least 500 people who used to jog around Bacolod Government Center during dawn and dusk,” Jamero said./PN
