• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez yesterday said he will convey to the Sangguniang Panlungsod the concerns raised by business owners and residents along Lacson Street in Bacolod City who were affected by the road closures during the celebration of the 20th BacoLaodiat Festival in the city.
Benitez said he received feedback that the 4-day road closure was too long. So he will refer the matter to the Sanggunian for its assessment. “We will take this into consideration and find ways to shorten it or move the activities to another venue.”
Meanwhile, Benitez congratulated the organizers of the 2025 BacoLaodiat Festival, which he considered very successful because the weather cooperated and there were no untoward incidents, so they were able to fully operate their programs and activities.
“We also had a very distinguished and renowned honorary mayor who came and participated in our events,” he said.
Hans T. Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, was conferred the title of honorary mayor and adopted son of Bacolod City during the Sangguniang Panlungsod session Thursday.
Benitez said the honorary mayor was very much interested in Bacolod City. The event was a great opportunity to showcase the future plans of Bacolod City and that he hopes their plans will align with that of the city.*
