Bacolod City has introduced a comprehensive urban master plan aimed at fostering sustainable development over the next 25 years. The unveiling took place at L’ Fisher Hotel, where Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, alongside Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya, presented the Bacolod Urban Master Plan 2050 to an audience of business leaders, developers, and community representatives.
Mayor Benitez emphasized the importance of stakeholder involvement in the planning process, expressing satisfaction with the supportive response from attendees. He stressed the plan’s goal to preempt issues that could arise from rapid urban growth, ensuring a sustainable future for the city.
The master plan was detailed by Carlos Arnaiz, a renowned architect and urban design consultant. Arnaiz, who leads Carlos Arnaiz Architects and co-founded Studio for Urban Analysis, portrayed Bacolod as an emerging hub in Southeast Asia, driven by its youthful, diverse, and educated populace.
Arnaiz’s vision for Bacolod focuses on sustainability, mobility, and ecological resilience. He proposed leveraging the city’s natural water bodies and green technologies to foster a vibrant and resilient urban environment. Key to this vision is the concept of a ’15-minute city,’ where residents can reach essential services within a short walk or bike ride.
The plan divides Bacolod into four zones, each with specific development goals. Zone 1, the Central Business District, will feature a multi-level commercial complex near Bredco Port, integrated with a public transport hub. Zone 2, Waterfront Development, aims to create a sustainable industrial park along the Catmon River and Banago Creek, utilizing bioswales and other flood mitigation strategies.
Zone 3, Commercial Corridors and Rivers, will transform areas along the Ngalan and Lupit Rivers into ecological corridors with commercial promenades, incorporating flood defenses and recreational spaces. Finally, Zone 4, Mixed-Use Development near Water Bodies, plans to convert the old airport site into an eco-friendly industrial district near the Magsungay River and Sapang Manliit.
This ambitious plan sets Bacolod on a path to become a model of sustainable urban development, balancing growth with environmental stewardship.