The Negros Occidental provincial government is coming up with a master plan for the development of the Paglaum Sports Complex in Bacolod City that it will present to the Department of Education.

Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday said "the plan will be presented to the DepEd and if they agree (to return the sports complex) we will no longer file a case against them because it will be a waste of time."

He said the provincial government will develop the PSC so it could generate income and that they want the DepEd to share in its maintenance and upkeep.

Marañon had earlier written the DepEd informing it that the provincial government is rescinding the deed of donation of the Paglaum Sports Complex and asking it to return the property within 15 days. The decision of the Marañon has the support of the six congressmen of Negros Occidental.

Marañon said the cancellation was on the ground that there were violations of the conditions of the donation.

When asked for his reaction, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said the matter is between the DepEd and the provincial government because the contract is between them.

"But whatever may happen, I wish they will acknowledge what Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella has done to transform it to what it is now - from waste to something very valuable for the city," he said.

Meanwhile, Leonardia said it was not the city that had proposed to change the name of the Paglaum Complex to the Bacolod City Sports Stadium, although he agreed to it, especially that it would have been a good chance to promote the city internationally during the hosting of the Southeast Asian Games.*CGS

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