‘Mourners’ seek Pnoy’s help
On lost P6B Ayala project
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Negrenses last night called on President Benigno Aquino III to ask the Commission on Audit why it has taken more than a year to come up with a decision on whether or not it will approve the Negros Occidental provincial government sale and lease of its 7.7-hectare Bacolod property to AyalaLand.

About 500 Negrenses who lit candles in front of the Negros Occidental Capitol in Bacolod City to mourn the loss of the P6 billion investment plan of AyalaLand, also called on the firm not to leave.

Nestor “Aboy” Evaristo, vice president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Negros Occidental, and Danny Yee, head of the Philippine Constructors Association of Negros, said the gathering last night was spontaneous and apolitical.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said the provincial government is pushing for the expansion of the Bacolod Silay Airport and the construction of better roads to tourist destinations to boost the tourism industry of Negros Occidental.

Marañon, who opened the Provincial Tourism Week celebration yesterday, said he is pushing for the improvement of the Bacolod-Silay Airport because it is the gateway to Negros.

The provincial government will also work for the improvement of roads to tourism destinations in Negros Occidental, the governor said, citing the roads to Patag in Silay City and to Campuestohan in Talisay City, among others.

Thousands are expected to attend the United Negros Alliance convention next week, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., UNA chairman, said yesterday.

The governor said they are looking for a venue big enough to accommodate those attending and may rent either the Paglaum Sports Complex or the Panaad Park & Sports Stadium in Bacolod City.

The governor said he is running for re-election under the UNA ticket.