By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – SM Prime Holdings Inc. is set to undertake its biggest development in Bacolod City, transforming the old Bacolod airport into a modern township.
Filipino-Chinese business tycoon Hans T. Sy announced the project during the Spring Festival Gala at SMX Convention Center, held in celebration of the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival last week.
“We are happy to announce that SM’s township along Araneta Avenue, where the old Bacolod airport was, will become an urban oasis,” Sy said.
Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime, revealed that the 20-hectare mixed-use development will feature a new upscale shopping and lifestyle center, business process outsourcing (BPO) offices, and other commercial projects that will benefit both the business sector and the city.
As part of this year’s Bacolaodiat Festival, Sy was conferred the title of adopted son and honorary mayor of Bacolod. He visited the city on Jan. 30, accompanied by his son, Harvey, and daughter, Hanna Carinna.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) earlier authorized the Bacolod City government to utilize the government-owned portion of the 40-hectare airport property, which Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said measures four hectares.
The Philippine Airlines (PAL) and CAAP had previously divided ownership of the property, allocating 20 hectares each, after the old airport—situated along Araneta Street, one of Bacolod’s major thoroughfares—was closed in January 2008 following the opening of Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
PAL’s creditor bank, the Philippine National Bank (PNB), later bid out and sold its portion of the property to SM Prime.
During a press briefing Monday, Benitez said that SM Prime is considering the city’s earlier joint venture proposal for the redevelopment project.
“Basically, we want to create an iconic waterfront, where people can enjoy scenic spaces beyond the existing coastal areas in Barangay Punta Taytay and other sites,” Benitez said.
He added that the city wants to expand development along the coastline and is open to a joint venture agreement if both parties reach an agreement.
Benitez also said that while discussions on future city revenues from the project have yet to take place, he is optimistic that the partnership will generate steady income for Bacolod.
Aside from the township development, Sy also highlighted the establishment of National University (NU) Bacolod, the first Visayas-Mindanao campus of NU, which opened in August 2024—an initiative that he said is close to his heart.
“My father always said that education is vital for economic development, and with the opening of NU Bacolod, we foresee a future workforce that will contribute positively to the city’s prosperity and growth,” Sy said.
He also announced the development of the North Block building, which will house NU Bacolod and modern BPO facilities.
By fostering employment opportunities, he said Bacolod continues its transformation into a hub for digital professionals, allowing young talents to thrive without leaving the country.
Additionally, Sy revealed the South Wing expansion of SM City Bacolod, which will introduce new attractions, including a game park, new cinemas, and national prestige brands, catering to Bacolod’s well-traveled residents.
“These exciting projects reflect our unwavering belief in Bacolod’s potential,” Sy said, expressing his gratitude for the prestigious recognition he received from the city.
Sy said he is proud and inspired to be part of Bacolod’s transformation.
“The story of Bacolod is one of resilience and collaboration, with the Filipino-Chinese community playing an integral role in its progress,” he said.
“We ask you to always see us as your partners, supporting your aspirations for progress and prosperity for the benefit of all,” he added.
