By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has encouraged Bacolodnons to reflect on past challenges and celebrate the city’s progress during its 86th Charter Day celebration yesterday.
With the theme, “Pagsaulog sang Pagbag-o Para sa Mas Masanyug nga Asenso sang Bacolod,” Bacolod kicked off its cityhood celebration with a Charter Day parade featuring 425 participants, 230 vehicles, and 134 motorcycles along the streets of Barangays Bata, Alangilan, Mansilingan, and Sum-Ag.
“In recognition of our 86 years, let us go out and celebrate, and recognize that Bacolod is on its way to becoming a super city,” Benitez said in his message after the Charter Day motorcade at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).
Benitez reflected on the city’s achievements and outlined future plans aimed at furthering development and prosperity.
“Let us embrace the past and its lessons, so we can understand with openness and humility the present, and we shall be able to chart a better tomorrow,” Benitez said, adding that the future’s shining promise awaits those who believe and those who will take the risk to make the change.
The mayor also announced that he will deliver a State of the City Address (SOCA) on July 3 to inform the public about the city’s developments, continued progress, and future plans.
Meanwhile, the city recognized Nestor “Aboy” Evaristo, Bryant Lao, and Marigold Ponce-Tangco as this year’s Banwahanon awardees for their exemplary contributions to the city.
Benitez said these individuals’ actions have significantly improved the city, making them deserving of recognition.
The city also acknowledged Fairly Pretta, the Sagup Negros Food Waste Mitigation Initiative, and Dr. Edwin Segovia as “Be the Change” awardees.
Benitez noted that the “Be the Change” recognition is given to ordinary people whose small actions have had a great impact on the community.
“These small actions may be replicated by other Bacolodnons and communities,” he added.
Additionally, the city recognized outstanding taxpayers of 2023 in the business and real property categories, both individual and corporate.
Outstanding employees from supervisory and non-supervisory categories were also acknowledged, and Mayor’s citation awards were given to some organizations.
Benitez mentioned plans to recognize government employees at every flag ceremony to highlight their best practices, good attitudes, and good deeds to inspire other city employees.
Bacolod Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, in his message, said, “Let us celebrate our milestones that led us to thrive and become one of our country’s top cities. With our proven resilience and strong sense of community, we can certainly look forward to an even brighter future for the City of Smiles.”
