BACOLOD CITY — After six years of planning, Negros Occidental will begin the construction of its own facility to host big cultural events and activities.

The construction of the P1.03-billion Negros Occidental Convention Center (NOCC) will start on August in Barangay Guinhalaran, Silay City.

A groundbreaking event to kick off the construction was held Thursday morning led by Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and Regional Director Sonny Oropel.

"After six years of hard work and planning, construction is finally about to start," 3rd District Rep. Francisco Benitez said.

"This center will not only boost development in Guinhalaran but also support our vision of making Negros a tourism and convention hub, attracting visitors and boosting the local economy."

The convention center is strategically located near the Bacolod Silay Airport, he added.

Oropel said construction of the NOCC will start in August and is targeted to be completed in two years.

"The facility will be a landmark structure will be built on a 3-hectare property donated to the province of Negros Occidental by Jean Marie Gaston Locsin Wineberger, a native of Silay City, and now a resident of Oklahoma, USA," Oropel said, adding that the two-story building will have a total floor area of 8,640 square meters.

"It is a certified green building, incorporating comprehensive and sustainability strategies to ensure efficient and eco-friendly performance throughout its entire system," Oropel said.

Oropel also said the project was planned during the term of Mayor Benitez when he was a congressman.

An initial fund of P400 million was released for the project which will be implemented by the DPWH Negros Occidental 1st District Engineering Office and DPWH Regional Office 6.

"In the coming months, we will witness the transformation of this site into a state-of-the-art facility. This center will foster economic growth, create jobs, boost local businesses and tourism, and increase cultural, social, and educational events and exchanges," said the governor in his speech at the groundbreaking rites.

"May the NOCC be the catalyst for making Negros Occidental the rising convention hub of the country," Lacson added.