By Xander Ledesma
Bacolod City officials engaged with urban planning experts from Stuttgart and Dortmund, Germany, in discussions on disaster resilience, climate action, and sustainable transportation on October 29 at the City Mayor’s Office.
The delegation, led by Mayor Albee Benitez, included key city officials such as City Planning and Development Office Head Mary Jean Ramos, City Engineer Engr. Loben Ceballos, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Head Dr. Anna Maria Pornan. The German delegation consisted of professors in spatial planning and transport engineering from the University of Stuttgart and the University of Dortmund.
Mayor Benitez presented ongoing township developments, including projects by Rockwell, Megaworld, and Phinma, showcasing Bacolod’s commitment to resilient urban growth. The German experts expressed interest in supporting Bacolod’s efforts to address climate and disaster challenges while advancing sustainable transportation options.
Discussions also covered the Urban Act, an initiative promoting climate-sensitive urban planning through regional cooperation, participatory project planning, and enhanced knowledge-sharing to foster resilience and sustainable development in Bacolod.