Gov. backs Metro Bacolod Dev't Authority

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. has supported City Mayor Monico Puentevella's proposed creation of the Metro Bacolod Development Authority (MBDA).

"That is good. I endorse that proposal. There's even no need to conduct a study, they should just do it," Marañon told The Freeman.

The MBDA will be composed of the cities of Bacolod, Silay and Bago, and the town of Murcia, which will coordinate and assist each other in many areas such as traffic, informal settlers and garbage collection and disposal.

Puentevella first announced his MBDA proposal during his inaugural address at the city plaza last July 2. "Bacolod will not prosper without (working) with the other cities," he said.

The completion of the alternative access road from Bacolod to Silay Aiport will be part of the initiatives that will lead to the formation of the MBDA, said the mayor as he further proposed to the DPWH the revival of the 22-kilometer sugar road from Brgy Sum-ag in Bacolod to Silay.

Two weeks before Puentevella assumed office as mayor, he met with Marañon to discuss how they can work together to ensure progress for both Bacolod City and Negros Occidental province. (FREEMAN)