P15-M budget for new police station in Singcang-Airport included in 2027 nat'l budget

BACOLOD City — A P15-million allocation for the construction of a new police station in Barangay Singcang-Airport has been included in the proposed 2027 National Budget, advancing the long-planned establishment of a police facility in one of Bacolod City's largest and fastest-growing communities. The project was facilitated through the efforts of Bacolod Lone District Representative and Deputy Speaker Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, according to Barangay Singcang-Airport Punong Barangay Rosine Distrito. The proposed police station will rise on barangay-owned property in Purok Kapalaran, adjacent to the SM property along the old airport runway. Distrito thanked Benitez for facilitating the inclusion of the project in the 2027 National Budget, saying the facility would improve peace and security in the barangay and nearby communities. The new station is expected to provide faster police response to emergency calls and strengthen law enforcement services in southern Bacolod. Earlier, the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) passed a resolution urging the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) and Benitez to facilitate the establishment and funding of the proposed station. Through Resolution No. 719, Series of 2026, authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito, the SP called for the prioritization and securing of funds for the construction of the facility. The resolution noted that Singcang-Airport is among Bacolod's largest and most populous barangays and has developed into a major residential, commercial, institutional and transportation hub. Its continuing urban expansion, including the planned development of the SM Airport commercial complex, is expected to bring more residents, workers, businesses and visitors to the area, increasing demand for police services. Despite its strategic importance, the barangay currently has no police station within its territorial jurisdiction, according to the resolution. Lieutenant Colonel Lester L. Leada, BCPO deputy city director for administration, said the proposed facility is also part of the police organization's preparations for Bacolod's continuing population growth. Leada said Bacolod currently has around 634,000 residents, with the population continuing to increase annually. He said the city could qualify for additional police stations once its population reaches approximately 700,000, with up to five additional stations being considered. 'Once we reach 700,000, we will push through with the additional five police stations,' Leada said. He added that Singcang-Airport is among the areas being prepared for a new facility due to its rapid development, particularly with planned projects in the old airport area. Officials said the proposed police station would benefit not only Singcang-Airport but also neighboring barangays by allowing police personnel to respond more quickly to emergencies and strengthen peace and order efforts in the area./PN