BACOLOD City — Mayor Greg Gasataya and Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez underscored the importance of stronger collaboration between Bacolod City and Negros Occidental as the city celebrated its 88th Charter Anniversary on June 18.
Benitez, chairperson of the House Committee on Creative Industries, served as keynote speaker during the Charter Day Awards Night at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby. His participation highlighted the city’s continuing bid for inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the Gastronomy category in 2027.
Addressing government officials, civic leaders, and awardees, both leaders emphasized that Bacolod’s continued growth should go hand in hand with the progress of Negros Occidental and the entire Negros Island Region.
Benitez stressed that Bacolod and the province should work together rather than compete.
“Bacolod sets the tone, and the province should carry it forward,” he said, describing the city as an economic and cultural driver of the region.
“Stronger together is not just how Bacolod wins; it is how Negros wins,” Benitez added, noting that Bacolod recorded a 7.7-percent economic growth rate in 2025, surpassing the national average.
The congressman also pledged support for Bacolod’s growing creative economy by bringing the National Creative Industries Council to the city.
“I want the people who help shape the country’s creative future to make some of those decisions here in Bacolod, on Negros ground, experiencing what we experience and seeing what you have built,” Benitez said.
He likewise committed to helping secure national government support for Bacolod’s UNESCO Creative Cities Network bid through technical assistance, programs, and funding.
“Whatever you have started should be supported by our nation so it can succeed. As long as I remain in this position and committee, you will have an ally in Congress who sees this dream as the dream of the entire country,” he said.
Gasataya echoed the call for unity, saying closer cooperation among Bacolod, Negros Occidental, and the Negros Island Region would create greater opportunities for development.
“We believe that when Bacolod fights for progress, the province and the region benefit as well because it is clear to us that in Bacolod, we are stronger together,” the mayor said.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the conferment of the Ang Banwahanon Award, the city’s highest recognition for private individuals who have made significant contributions to civic life and community development.
This year’s recipients were Larry E. Carumba for his contributions to culture and the arts through humanitarian-themed works and charitable initiatives, and Richard Jeric L. Chua for his sustained efforts in education, youth leadership, and community development, including support for underserved children and families.
Through the Mayor’s Special Citation, the city also honored Jose Montalbo for his 14 years of dedication to empowering disadvantaged youth through sports.
Several individuals and organizations were likewise recognized through the city’s “Be the Change” Awards, which honor contributions to community development, cultural preservation, public health, education, and animal welfare.
Among the awardees were Maria Sol Cuenca Jolito, Bacolod City National High School teacher Ariz Jasper C. Duatin, criminology graduate Joric Urs Requilme, and BACH Project PH, a volunteer-driven animal rescue organization serving Negros Island.
The city government also recognized its Most Outstanding City Government Employees for 2026. Eladio L. Pescadero received the award in the non-supervisory category, while Margie G. Tagle was honored in the supervisory category. The awards were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bacolod.
In addition, Bacolod honored its top business and real property taxpayers for 2025 in recognition of their contributions to local economic growth and public services.
Addressing the awardees, Gasataya thanked them for their continued commitment to the city.
“Despite all the challenges, you remained committed to standing side by side with the government. That is why we hold this awarding ceremony—to recognize exemplary Bacolodnons who have excelled in their respective fields,” he said.
Charter Day parade
Earlier in the day, nearly 6,000 participants joined the city’s grand civic and military parade, one of the highlights of the anniversary celebration.
The parade began at 6:30 a.m., with participants assembling along Lizares Street and South Capitol Road before converging at SM City Bacolod, where the main program was held.
Executive Assistant Levy Pangue, chairperson of the parade committee, said around 6,000 participants and approximately 1,000 vehicles joined the activity.
Despite temporary road closures and rerouting measures, traffic remained manageable throughout the event.
“The parade was held early in the morning, and since it was a special non-working holiday in Bacolod City, traffic was not significantly affected,” Pangue said.
Gasataya said organizers shortened the program and scheduled activities earlier in the day to ensure the comfort of participants amid the summer heat.
“We kept the program brief because of the heat, and we did not want our people to stay under the sun for too long, especially since many woke up early to join the celebration,” he said.
The mayor added that the large turnout reflected Bacolodnons’ pride in the city’s milestone.
“The large attendance shows how important celebrations like this are to our people. Their presence demonstrates their pride and appreciation for our city’s milestones,” he said.
During the formal program, a message from Bacolod Lone District Rep. and Deputy Speaker Alfredo Abelardo Benitez was delivered by Carmeli Bantug.
In his message, Benitez reflected on Bacolod’s transformation from a modest settlement into one of the country’s most progressive cities.
“From its humble beginnings as a small settlement that sought higher ground for safety, Bacolod has continually risen above challenges and transformed them into opportunities,” he said.
He credited the city’s success to generations of Bacolodnons whose hard work, innovation, and resilience shaped its growth.
“The Bacolod we know today is the result of countless individuals who chose to believe in a brighter future,” he said.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, in his opening remarks, described the celebration as a tribute to Bacolod’s shared history and collective achievements.
“‘Stronger Together’ captures the very essence of Bacolod’s success. Our greatest achievements have always been made possible when government, communities, businesses, civic organizations, and ordinary citizens work hand in hand toward a common goal,” Distrito said.
Councilor Homer Bais, chairperson of the 88th Charter Day celebration, said the anniversary serves as a reminder of Bacolod’s resilience and continuing progress.
“For 88 years, Bacolod City has stood as a symbol of resilience, unity, and progress. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we honor our rich heritage and look forward to a brighter future for all Bacolodnons,” Bais said./PN
