Former Bacolod Rep. John Orola, Jr., chairman of the Bacolod City Tourism Council, is pushing for more tourism development projects and programs in the southern part of Bacolod City and recommended the creation of a Tourism Enterprise Zone.

Orola recently met with the barangay officials headed by Barangay Captain Rufino Alcala of Barangay of Punta-Taytay and those of Sum-ag, Cabug, Pahanocoy, Singcang and Tangub in identifying and developing the tourism and trade potential of southern Bacolod.

The meeting was also attended by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Councilors Em Ang, Caesar Distrito and Sonya Verdeflor.

Orola recommended the creation of Tourism Enterprise Zone so they city can avail of the Department of Tourism incentives for the development of areas in the southern part of Bacolod.

Once registered as TEZ, economic opportunities, livelihood and employment can be created in the area, he said.

He also encouraged the private sector to take a look at the potentials of the southern portion of Bacolod.

Orola noted that while the northern portion of Bacolod is getting bullish and congested with economic activities, big department stores, shopping malls, hotels and others, the southern part of Bacolod from Brgy. Singcang to Sum-ag, has been left out.

He said some portion of the roads in the southern part of Bacolod have remained unrepaired and because the highways are dark for lack of proper lighting facilities, traffic accidents often occur.

He also said Punta-Taytayis known for its beaches, and although it cannot compete with other resorts in the province, it is a favorite weekend destination for Bacolod residents. A 20-hectare islet has emerged in Punta-Taytay recently and migratory birds flock to the area daily. This makes a good site for bird watching, he said.*CGS

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