Bacolod is Top PH Model City anew

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Councilors Cindy Rojas, Carlos Jose Lopez, Archie Baribar, and Israel Salanga, City Administrator John Orola, and other City Hall heads, receive the Top Philippine Model City 2019 award of Bacolod from The Manila Times at the New World Manila Bay Hotel on Sept. 25. (PIO)

BACOLOD City – This city regained the crown as the Top Philippine Model City for 2019 among 145 cities in the country.

Last year, Bacolod was adjudged first runner-up when Davao was declared the 2018 Top Philippine Model City.

This year, Bacolod bested 37 other cities that were short-listed by The Manila Times for its Search for the Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities.

The Manila Times is one of the most respected and the country’s oldest national broadsheet at 121 years old.

Bacolod also won two special awards – Business- Friendly/ High Returns and Retirement Haven.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia received the awards at rites at the New World Manila Bay Hotel in Manila.

Leonardia credited their “team effort” that resulted to the award. He thanked the City Council, led by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, and the City Hall department and office heads, and personnel.

The mayor was accompanied by Familiaran, and Councilors Cindy Rojas, Carlos Jose Lopez, Archie Baribar, and Israel Salanga.