The Bacolod City Tourism Development Office convened the inaugural meeting of the Bacolod Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Council on March 23, at Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, a press release from the Bacolod Tourism Office said.
The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening Bacolod City’s position as a competitive MICE destination, bringing together key leaders, stakeholders, and industry partners from both the public and private sectors.
Leading the meeting was Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, who serves as chairperson of the Council, alongside vice chairperson Councilor Jason Isidro Villarosa. Also present and member of the council was Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) representative Engiemar Tupas, reinforcing national government support for the city’s tourism and economic initiatives.
The council was attended by representatives from various tourism sectors, highlighting a strong collaborative effort across industries. These included Pachit Cuaycong for the food sector, Nathan Rio for travel and tours, Adora Pedalino for convention facilities, John Victor Go for the hotel sector, Ricky Dela Cruz for transportation, and Femmy Lee Magbanua and Arlun Guilicana representing souvenirs and leisure.
The host venue was represented by Rabby Nuevo of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, with Raymond Alunan from the Negros Occidental Tourism Division also in attendance as guests.
The Bacolod City Tourism Development Office was well represented, led by Chief Tourism Operations Officer Ma. Teresa Manalili, together with Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Meneil Lopez-Poquiz, Tourism Operations Officer II Liana Reynes, and Tourism Operations Officer I Darlwin Sales.
Discussed during the meeting were the reconstitution of the Bacolod Meetings and Conventions Promotions Board, presentation of MICE event statistics, inventory of facilities, and identification of upcoming and prospective events.
A highlight of the meeting was the approval of significant resolutions aimed at further institutionalizing Bacolod’s MICE development. These include the creation of the Bacolod MICE Alliance, which will serve as a unified body of stakeholders across sectors, and the development of a Bacolod MICE Bid Book to strengthen the city’s competitiveness in attracting national and international events.*
