By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The city government will soon have a dedicated site for key emergency facilities following a land donation from Rockwell Land Corp. along Buri Road in Barangay Mandalagan.
The 1,986-square-meter parcel will host a future fire substation, police station, and disaster risk reduction and management command center.
Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez met with Rockwell representatives last week to finalize documentation and allow construction to begin.
The project secured an initial PHP10 million in funding from Sen. Francis Tolentino during his 2024 visit.
The Department of Public Works and Highways will lead the construction, with the City Engineer’s Office coordinating to ensure the facility fits the area’s master plan and design standards.
Attending the coordination meeting were Rockwell senior construction manager Arch. Louie Sacdalan, assistant manager for permits Danie Timson, AVP for Rockwell Bacolod Mars Lopez, and AVP for permits and licensing Albert Loberes.
Also present were Bacolod City Police Office Director Col. Joeresty Coronica, City Fire Marshal Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, City Engineer Loben Ceballos, and DPWH-Bacolod Assistant Engineer Leah Jamero.
In a statement, the Bacolod City Fire Station said it was honored to be part of a milestone that strengthens the city’s emergency response.
The city also plans to construct a permanent home for Police Station 3 on the site, as its current facility in Purok Santol, Barangay Mandalagan, is neither owned by the Philippine National Police nor easily accessible to the public.