BACOLOD City — Bacolod City has been selected as one of the three host cities for the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2026, marking the first time in the festival’s history that official host activities will be held outside Metro Manila.
Mayor Greg Gasataya announced the development on Wednesday, July 8, following his attendance at the official launch of the 52nd MMFF in Manila on July 7, where organizers unveiled major innovations for this year’s edition of the country’s premier film festival.
According to Gasataya, Bacolod was chosen alongside San Juan and Mandaluyong as host cities, expanding the festival’s reach beyond Metro Manila for the first time.
“This is a significant milestone because, for the first time, the MMFF will have host cities outside Metro Manila, and Bacolod is fortunate to be one of those selected,” the mayor said.
As part of the festival, Bacolod will host MMFF-related activities beginning on December 11 for two weeks. These will include visits by participating actors and filmmakers, as well as a motorcade to be held simultaneously with the festival’s launch in Metro Manila.
Beyond entertainment, Gasataya said MMFF organizers have also committed to supporting Bacolod’s growing creative sector through two-day training workshops and other capacity-building programs for local filmmakers and creative professionals.
“The discussions during the launch included plans to train members of the creative industry. These programs will greatly benefit our local film community here in Bacolod,” he said.
Gasataya described Bacolod’s selection as a major opportunity that will not only bring entertainment to local audiences but also strengthen the city’s creative economy.
He said Bacolod’s strong box-office performance was among the factors considered by MMFF organizers in selecting the city.
The mayor also highlighted Bacolod’s sustained support for filmmaking through the Bacolod Film Festival, which was launched during the administration of then mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, now the city’s lone district representative and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The local film festival is set to hold its third edition this year.
Gasataya added that the city continues to invest in its creative industry, citing the recent establishment of the Bacolod G-Hive, a creative hub that provides artists and filmmakers with free access to filmmaking equipment and other resources.
“We are very supportive of this initiative because it complements our efforts to develop Bacolod’s creative industry,” he said.
The mayor said the exact date of Bacolod’s MMFF hosting activities has yet to be finalized. Organizers have proposed December 11, 12 or 13, with the city preferring Dec. 11 to avoid a scheduling conflict with the opening of the 2026 Batang Pinoy National Championships on December 12, which Bacolod is also hosting.
Gasataya said discussions with MMFF organizers are ongoing, with the final schedule to be announced once all arrangements have been completed./PN
