BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The completion of the Heritage Plaza and the redevelopment of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds has been pushed back to January 2027, while the total project cost has risen to more than ₱328 million.
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) confirmed that both projects remain under construction following concerns raised by Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya over the delays.
In a letter to Gasataya, TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer Gregory Oller said the revised target completion date is January 27, 2027.
“We wish to clarify that the project remains ongoing, with the current approved/revised completion date set on Jan. 27, 2027,” Oller said.
TIEZA attributed the delays to several factors during implementation, including work stoppages, unfavorable weather, additional construction requirements, and approved variation orders intended to address actual site conditions.
The agency said some additional works were incorporated into the project during construction, including items that had initially been considered part of the local government unit’s counterpart obligations. TIEZA decided to accommodate the works to facilitate completion and respond to conditions found at the site.
As a result, the original contract price of ₱299,863,888.03 was increased to ₱328,090,451.51. The projects were initially allocated ₱80 million for the Heritage Plaza and ₱220 million for the BCGC grounds.
Among the approved variations were ₱4,848,825.27 for changes to the board-up fence, ₱7,006,882.81 for repairs related to typhoon damage, and ₱16,370,855.40 for additional works.
The added scope included improvements to the power supply, installation of a Control Room System at the BCGC, soft and hard landscaping, and modifications to the structural design of the BCGC fountain.
TIEZA said the additional works and corresponding extensions of time were necessary to address actual field conditions and facility requirements while maintaining the quality, functionality, and safety of the developments.
The agency also pointed to delays in the review and approval of technical revisions by the city government. These included changes involving structural details, concrete floor topping works, and the mural finishing of the BCGC fountain.
According to TIEZA, affected activities could not proceed without the necessary technical instructions and approvals, forcing some construction work to be deferred and rescheduled and consequently affecting succeeding activities.
The agency said it continues to coordinate with concerned city government offices to resolve outstanding technical matters and obtain the required approvals.
TIEZA also acknowledged the findings raised by Gasataya and those documented in site inspection reports. The contractor and project team will prioritize corrective and completion works involving drainage, surface ponding, lighting, unfinished installations, manholes, control systems, and other identified deficiencies.
The agency reiterated that it intends to complete the projects in accordance with approved plans and specifications, applicable standards, and the expectations of the Bacolod City government. It also welcomed a joint inspection with city officials to verify the completion of corrective measures and remaining works.
The Heritage Plaza and BCGC grounds projects began in July 2025 and are funded by TIEZA as part of efforts to improve two major public spaces in Bacolod through upgraded facilities, enhanced landscaping, modern lighting, water features, and other infrastructure improvements.
TIEZA had previously committed to completing the projects before this year’s MassKara Festival. However, Gasataya expressed disappointment during a recent inspection after seeing the amount of work that remained unfinished.
The mayor said restoration work at the plaza would resume after the 47th MassKara Festival. The board-up fence surrounding the fountain area at the BCGC grounds was also removed because the site is being used as one of the festival’s major areas.
Gasataya emphasized that considerable work still needs to be completed.
“As much as possible, we want to be transparent,” he said.