The City of Bacolod formally opened its Barangay Sustainable Expo on September 8 at The Upper East, Megaworld, in Bacolod City marking the start of the Bacolod Tourism Week 2025 celebration with the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” a press release from the Bacolod City Tourism Office said.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by executive assistant to the Mayor Patrick Lacson and Chief Tourism Operations Officer Ma. Teresa Manalili, with the support of Megaworld Visayas sales manager Jenny Kaye Llavore, representing the private sector.
The expo showcased innovative and sustainable products from various participating barangays including Alangilan, Banago, Granada, Mansilingan, Tangub, Villamonte, 15, 18, and 29. Each booth highlighted the creativity, resourcefulness, and local culture of Bacolod communities while being judged according to specific sustainability and presentation criteria.
HOTEL EXHIBITS
The City Tourism Development Office also formally opened the Hotel Booth Exhibition of Bacolod Tourism Week 2025 at Ayala Malls Capitol Central, with the theme “Beyond Comfort: Hotels for a Sustainable Future.”
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya and Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Raymundo Puentevella both delivered messages underscoring the importance of the hospitality industry in strengthening Bacolod’s tourism brand. Gasataya highlighted the role of hotels in creating memorable visitor experiences that contribute to Bacolod’s image as the “City of Smiles,” while Puentevella emphasized the need for innovation and sustainability to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the city’s tourism sector.
The program was attended by Chief Tourism Operations Officer Ma. Teresa Manalili, who welcomed the guests, along with members of Bacolod Councilors Em Ang, Celia Flor, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, and Homer Bais. Executive assistant Patrick Lacson also joined the ceremony.
The opening featured a cultural performance by Tamyaw Sang Bacolod, the Job Order MassKara Dancers of the city and a ribbon cutting ceremony led by city officials. Participating hotels and accommodation establishments represented by their respective general managers, sales and marketing managers and executives presented creative booths promoting eco-friendly practices, sustainable tourism initiatives and innovative guest services.
The activity forms part of Bacolod Tourism Week 2025, which runs from September 8 to 12, featuring a series of events designed to showcase Bacolod’s tourism strengths and foster stronger collaborations between the government, private sector and local communities.*
