IN NEGROS Occidental, one of the few names almost synonymous with respect is Salvador “Bading” Escalante Jr., the incumbent mayor of Cadiz City in the northern part of the province.
For more than two decades in politics — from mayor to provincial board member and back to mayor again — Bading has mastered the craft of public service by touching countless lives through his down-to-earth demeanor. He is approachable, but above all, he is compassionate.
Bading is by no means a minor figure in the political arena of Negros Occidental. His remarkable qualities as a leader radiate across the island, prompting many first-time mayors to seek his advice or learn his secrets in public governance. To them, he is often a father, brother, or friend.
He is “Bading 24/7” for mayors who need sound counsel in times of leadership confusion or political turbulence. This reputation explains why he is now the new president of the Association of Chief Executives (ACE) in Negros Occidental, a significant position that allows him to lead all mayors across the province’s towns and cities. His “father figure” image has endeared him to his fellow Negros mayors.
Beyond ACE, Bading was also recently elected Vice President for the Visayas of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP). This broader role positions him as the “voice of the Negros Island Region” in the national association of city mayors. From Cadiz to ACE to LCP, Bading now wears multiple hats, guiding his fellow chief executives not just in NIR but across the entire Visayas.
Such a complex responsibility is no easy assignment. Command and composure are key. Yet Bading remains calm and confident, knowing how to play his cards and manage the multitude of tasks now resting on his shoulders.
With over 20 years of experience in public service, Bading knows the terrain of leadership. He is well-versed in it, and without a doubt, he will continue to “shine” in the years ahead.
In his own words: “I will work for each title I have now in a meaningful way.”
For him, these new positions are not about glamour but about a mission — one that seeks to make a difference amid the challenges of the present time. And as a man who believes that trust is priceless, Bading sums it up simply: “Respect is dignity, and I always bet on it.”/PN
