THE Bacolod City Council approved a resolution requesting the City Administrator's Office, City Engineer's Office, City Tourism Office, and City Planning and Development Office to undertake a study for the possible creation of Sum-ag River floating market zone.
The resolution, authored by Councilor Bartolome Orola, chairperson of committee on market and slaughterhouse, stated that the Sum-ag River is not just a source of water, but could be a potential spot for tourism, trade and livelihood opportunities for the residents of Barangay Sum-ag and neighboring areas.
The study will include the construction of floating restaurant for necessity or tourism, the use of banca or indigenous boats and motor boats in selling basic goods, promotion of river tourism by introducing leisurely cruises along the Sum-ag River, and construction of public utilities like electricity and water supply, it added.
Orola said the project is in line with the thrust of the government to develop tourism attractions in the southern part of Bacolod.
He said the floating market will allow domestic visitors and international tourists to experience the culture of riverside shopping, cruising, and dining.
"The floating market zone will also promote and preserve the cultural characteristic and heritage of floating markets that have existed for centuries," Orola added.
He further said that locally produced fruits and merchandise will be available for purchasing and bargaining in the floating market, and will help improve the standard of living by generating jobs and creating income and employment opportunities.
