
Hans T. Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc., this year joined the esteemed list of business tycoons recognized as an Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod during the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival, said a press release from the organizers of Bacolaodiat Festival.
Sy was also cited by the Bacolod and Negros Tsinoy Community during the Spring Fest Gala Dinner Thursday at the Bacolod SMX Convention Center, for his contributions to Bacolod’s economic development, and his recognition as an Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor highlights the city’s deep appreciation for SM Group’s impact on the city’s progress.
Among the tycoons conferred the titles were Lucio Tan (2006), John Gokongwei (2013), Henry Sy Sr. (2017), Jose Mari Chan (2018), Andrew Tan (2020), and Lucio Co (2024); while in 2023, Kevin Tan was conferred as Honorary Mayor during the Bacolaodiat Festival.



Each of these influential figures have played an important role in shaping Bacolod’s business landscape, and the addition of Hans T. Sy to this roster reflects his unwavering dedication to innovation, economic advancement, and community welfare.
“By making me part of your family, you inspire me to continue building projects that will form a legacy of innovation through collaboration,” Sy expressed in his speech, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening Bacolod’s business sector.
Sy conveyed his vision for Bacolod’s future, including the transformation of Manokan Country into an international food hub while preserving its cultural heritage and the expansion of National University to strengthen the city’s academic landscape.
Additionally, SM City Bacolod is set to introduce new cinemas, game parks, and interactive spaces, while Sy revealed plans for redeveloping the Old Airport in Barangay Singcang into an urban oasis, a project aimed at enhancing leisure, entertainment, innovation, accessibility, and sustainability in the city.*