June 18, 2024 – “The Charter Day is very important because we are recognizing exemplary individuals and companies that have made Bacolod what it is today. This is the time for us, the LGU, to recognize the individuals who have contributed to the development of the city,” Mayor Albee Benitez remarked during his Charter Day Message. With the 86th Charter Day Celebration of the City of Bacolod, numerous outstanding Bacolodnons were recognized in the Banwahanon and Be the Change Award tonight at the Bacolod City Government Center Lobby.
Led by Mayor Albee Benitez were Councilor Jason Villarosa, who gave the welcome remarks, Hon. Greg G. Gasataya, and Hon. Eugenio Jose V. Lacson, who gave the congratulatory messages, together with various city officials.
The Banwahanon Award was institutionalized through City Ordinance No. 494, Series of 2009 and is known to be the highest form of award or recognition that a Bacolodnon can receive, whose life or service has deeply impacted the city’s economic, cultural, sports, social, moral, and educational development.
On the other hand, the Be the Change Award was established under City Ordinance 1042, also known as the “Be the Change Ordinance” in 2023, which aims to recognize Bacolodnons who uphold and display good citizenship and their good and noble deeds, setting an example for others.
During the occasion, there was a special performance by Carl Malone Montecido, followed by the giving of awards in the categories of Outstanding Employees 2024, Outstanding Taxpayers of 2023, Mayor’s Citation Award, Be the Change Award, and the Banwahanon Award.
The awardees are as follows:
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES 2024
SUPERVISORY
– Engr. Julio Cayetano T. Belleza, Engineer II, City Engineer’s Office
– Dr. Edwin J. Miraflor, CHO Medical Officer IV
NON-SUPERVISORY
– Marissa Britaña, DSSD Assistant Statistician
– Leonardo Biantan, Const. Maintenance Capataz
OUTSTANDING TAXPAYERS OF 2023
TOP REAL PROPERTY TAXPAYERS – Individual Category
– Jose Antonio Alonte, Jr.
– Stephanie O. Chiu
– Atty. Roseller R. Maalat
– Catherine G. Ong
– David Chiu
TOP REAL PROPERTY TAXPAYERS – Corporate Category
– Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc.
– Capitol Central Commercial Ventures Corp.
– SM Prime Holdings, Inc.
– Philippine Airlines, Inc.
– Megaworld Corporation
TOP BUSINESS TAXPAYERS – Individual Category
– Jerry Sy, Silver Dragon Construction Lumber & Glass Supply
– Wilkinson Ong, Wilkinson Construction
– Alvin C. Yu, Bacolod Triumph Hardware
– Peggy KL Coo, KLC Enterprises
– Alvin C. Chua, A-A Electrical Supply
TOP BUSINESS TAXPAYERS – Corporate Category
– Nestlé Philippines, Inc.
– Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc.
– AOB Corporation
– SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM City Bacolod)
– Mainstream Business, Inc. (SM Bacolod Department Store)
MAYOR’S CITATION AWARD
– Amado B. Parreño Agricultural Corp.
– Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade
– Bureau of Fire Protection – Bacolod City
– Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
– Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental – Bacolod City
– Manila Water Company, Inc.
– SPM Cindy Rojas
– Rotary Club of Bacolod
BE THE CHANGE AWARD
– Fairly Pretta
– Sagup Negros: Food Waste Mitigation Initiative
– Dr. Edwin Segovia
ANG BANWAHANON AWARD
– Nestor “Aboy” Evaristo
– Bryant C. Lao
– Marigold Ponce-Tangco
(Source: Bacolod City Public Information Office)
