BACOLOD City – This city is celebrating its 87th Charter Day today, June 18, which is declared a special non-working holiday for the city.
The celebration is pursuant to Republic Act No. 11146, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018, officially designating June 18 as “Bacolod City Charter Day.”
The law commemorates June 18, 1938, when then President Manuel L. Quezon signed into law Commonwealth Act No. 326, formally creating the City of Bacolod.
The Charter Day celebration is also a key event under City Ordinance No. 616, series of 2012, known as “Mga Adlaw sang Paghanduraw.” The ordinance mandates a series of commemorative activities from June 12 (Independence Day) to June 20, honoring Bacolod’s history and milestones.
June 20 is also significant as it marks the day when Bacolod officially became the capital of Negros Occidental, replacing Himamaylan.
The highlight of the celebration is the Charter Day Awards Night, where individuals and organizations who have made notable contributions to the city’s economic, cultural, sports, moral, and educational development will be honored. These awardees are recognized for their exemplary, selfless service that inspires Bacolodnons and serves as a model of civic virtue.
A mobile parade will be held in the morning, while the awards ceremony is scheduled for the evening. Last night, June 17, the city held a vibrant Barangay Festival Dance Competition as part of the festivities.
According to Atty. Marty Go, secretary-to-the-mayor, this year’s awards will include two recipients of the Ang Banwahanon Award, while the Be the Change Award is still to be finalized.
In addition, the city government will also recognize outstanding city employees, taxpayers, and corporate partners for their contributions to Bacolod’s development.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez shared that while cash incentives are being considered — particularly for the Be the Change Award — he prefers offering tokens of appreciation instead.
“It’s not about the money,” Benitez said. “What’s important is that the city is recognizing those who make a difference — not for reward, but because doing good is the best thing anyone can do.”/PN
