By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – Mayor Raymund Tongson of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental said the city government is preparing to finance major projects with its PHP500-million loan, which will include the purchase of two dredgers for coastal areas, the development of Aguisan Port, and flood control projects, among others.
Tongson said that they will start dredging and desilting rivers and other waterways in the third quarter of 2021.
The mayor said the dredging project in the coastal areas of Himamaylan is similar to the design of First Terradev Corp. for EB Magalona.
He was also assured by the private firm that they will shift operations to the city and that of Hinigaran and Binalbagan after the completion of the EB Magalona project.
Tongson said local government units that may enter into agreements with Terradev for the dredging and desiltation of their waterways will not pay for it, as stated in the joint memorandum of the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources; Public Works and Highways; Interior and Local Government; and Transportation.
He also said it will be a blessing for Himamaylan if the Terradev project will push through, as more taxes will be collected by the city.
As to the development of the Aguisan Port, the mayor said they have already increased its depth since 2019.
He said barges have started docking at the port.
Tongson also said they have been discussing with the Philippine Ports Authority the takeover of the port’s management for several years now.
“If the PPA will give us a longer span for the port, the city government already has a budget for the expansion of the operations,” Tongson said.
The mayor also said they will construct esplanades in the boulevard in two poblacion barangays, similar to that of Iloilo City, and the barangay halls will be relocated near the river.
Tongson said investors have already invested in Himamaylan, including three banks, with another coming in; several restaurants, and food chain stores from Bacolod City, while a Ceres bus terminal is also being eyed to be established in the city.
