• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO

Bacolod’s honorary mayor and adopted son, Hans T. Sy highlighted several projects of SM in Bacolod City, including the redevelopment of the Manokan Country and the SM township at the old airport, during his speech at the Spring Festival Gala Thursday at the Bacolod SMX Convention Center.
“As we welcome the Year of the Snake, which encourages us to think long-term, make calculated decisions, and foster partnerships for meaningful change, I am proud and inspired to be part of Bacolod’s transformation,” he said.
One of the key initiatives they are proud to support is the redevelopment of Manokan Country, known for its local and cultural significance. It is not just a dining destination but a symbol of Bacolod’s identity, a popular first stop upon arriving in the city, Sy said. “Our collaboration with the local government aims to create a future-ready and disaster-resilient infrastructure, one that enhances this unique and ‘manamit’ Bacolod experience for both locals and tourists.”
A revitalized Manokan Country will ensure that it remains a beacon for tourism and a source of economic progress for its community of tenants who have made it a cherished part of Bacolod’s heritage, he said.
“Our commitment to the growth and well-being of Manokan’s tenants is firm – we will provide financial literacy workshops, safer, new and more sustainable facilities and a beautiful building that will surely bring in more customers. This redevelopment is more than a structural upgrade; it is a step toward preserving Bacolod’s traditions while embracing its potential as a world-class city, as much as the European markets and food halls define destinations such as Madrid, Barcelona and London,” Sy said.
“Another pledge of our commitment to the city – an advocacy that is close to my heart – is the establishment of National University, which opened in August. NU Bacolod is the first Visayas-Mindanao campus. NU’s vision and mission is to provide accessible and high-quality education without the burden of prohibitive tuition fees, providing young Filipinos with the modern-day tools they need to succeed in this competitive world, he said.
Sy also said NU’s growth now nearing 70,000 students across its campuses nationwide underscores his dream to enable the next generation of leaders and innovators. His father always said that education is vital for economic development, and with the opening of NU in Bacolod, they foresee a future workforce that contributes positively to the city’s prosperity and growth.
“We are excited about the development of the North Block building, which serves as both the campus for NU Bacolod, as well as providing modern facilities for BPOs. By fostering employment in this sector, Bacolod continues to transform into a hub of digital natives who will contribute much to the city’s economic vitality – without leaving the country. Our South Wing expansion will have additional spaces for new experiences, something the world-traveling Bacolodnons will really enjoy such as a gamepark, new cinemas and national prestige brands,” he said.
But the biggest development we are happy to announce is SM’s township along Araneta Avenue where the old Bacolod airport was located, a 20-hectare mixed use development, which will become an urban oasis. It will have a new upscale shopping and lifestyle center, BPOs and other commercial projects that the business sector and the city will surely benefit from, Sy said.
“These exciting projects reflect our unwavering belief in Bacolod’s potential. We ask you to look at us always as your partner, supporting your aspirations of progress and prosperity to benefit everyone. As we celebrate this auspicious Chinese New Year, we hope we can all embrace the values of opportunity and new beginnings,” he said.
Sy extended his deep appreciation to the City of Bacolod for the prestigious recognition of an honorary mayor and adopted son of Bacolod City which was bestowed upon him Wednesday.
“I know that the story of Bacolod is one of resilience and collaboration, of which the Filipino Chinese community has played an integral role. You have all contributed significantly to the city’s growth and vibrancy and it is an honor to stand among you in this shared mission of progress,” he said.*