BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya and Third District Congressman Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez called for stronger ties between Bacolod City and Negros Occidental as the city celebrated its 88th Charter Anniversary on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Speaking during the annual Charter Day Awards Ceremony at the Bacolod City Government Center, Benitez stressed that the city and the province should work together instead of competing against or undermining one another.

“Bacolod sets the tone, the province should carry it forward,” Benitez said. His father, Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Lone District Representative Albee Benitez, previously served as city mayor.

“Stronger together is not how Bacolod wins, it is how Negros wins,” he added, citing Bacolod’s 7.7-percent economic growth in 2025, which he noted outpaced the national growth rate.

Gasataya echoed the call for unity, emphasizing that mutual cooperation would benefit the city, the province, and the Negros Island Region.

“We believe that once Bacolod fights for it, the province and the region will benefit because it is clear to us that in Bacolod, we are stronger together,” Gasataya said.

The annual celebration kicked off with simultaneous motorcades from South Capitol Road and Araneta Street, converging at SM City Bacolod.

Highlighting the celebration was the conferment of the prestigious Ang Banwahanon Award, the highest recognition bestowed by the City of Bacolod on private citizens who have demonstrated exemplary civic service and significantly contributed to the city’s cultural, educational, social, sports, and economic development.

This year’s awardees were Larry E. Carumba, recognized for his outstanding contributions to culture and the arts through humanitarian-themed artistic works and charitable initiatives, and Richard Jeric L. Chua, whose sustained efforts in education, youth leadership, and community development have benefited underserved children and families, particularly through support for the Bolinao Daycare Center and the establishment of a modern Child Development Learning Center in Barangay 1.

Through the Mayor’s Special Citation, the city also recognized Jose Montalbo for his 14-year commitment to empowering underprivileged youth through sports.

Through the JGM Dreams Foundation, Montalbo has provided educational assistance, housing, meals, transportation, and opportunities for young athletes to compete in national tournaments, helping many pursue higher education through athletic scholarships.

As part of the city’s annual recognition program, exemplary individuals and civic organizations were honored through the “Be the Change” Award, which recognizes meaningful contributions to community development, cultural preservation, public health, and animal welfare.

Among the honorees was Maria Sol Cuenca Jolito, who was cited for her unwavering commitment to grassroots leadership in Handumanan.

Through mentoring the next generation of volunteers, she has empowered underserved communities and inspired active citizenship.

Also recognized was Bacolod City National High School teacher Ariz Jasper C. Duatin for his visionary leadership in preserving Bacolod’s cultural heritage through Project HAPIT.

His innovative efforts to engage young people in local history have strengthened appreciation for the city’s identity and inspired future generations.

Criminology graduate Joric Urs Requilme received the award for his exemplary service in caring for other patients at the regional hospital ward where his own ailing father was confined for nearly four months.

Requilme demonstrated compassion and highlighted the vital role individuals can play in building healthier communities.

The BACH Project was likewise honored for its steadfast advocacy for animal welfare. Through rescue initiatives, education campaigns, and community engagement, the organization has championed animal welfare and promoted a culture of compassion and responsible pet ownership.

As part of the celebration, the Bacolod City Government also recognized its Most Outstanding City Government Employees for their dedication, integrity, and commitment to public service. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bacolod for Rotary Year 2026, the awardees were Eladio L. Pescadero, Traffic Aide I of the Bacolod Traffic and Transportation Management Department, under the Non-Supervisory Category, and Margie G. Tagle, Administrative Officer II of Bacolod City College, under the Supervisory Category.

The city likewise recognized its Top Business Taxpayers for 2025, acknowledging the vital role played by the private sector in sustaining economic growth and supporting local government programs and services.

Honored under the Individual Category were Wilkinson Construction, SL & G Construction, Bacolod Triumph Hardware, KLC Enterprises, and M.K.U. Construction and Supply.

Corporate awardees included Nestlé Philippines, Inc., SM City Bacolod, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Inc., AOB Corporation, and Negros Electric and Power Corporation. In addition, Bacolod honored its Top Real Property Taxpayers, recognizing individuals and corporations whose timely payment of taxes helps fund public infrastructure, social services, and essential government programs.

Awardees in the Individual Category were Jose Antonio Alonte Jr., Stephanie Chiu, Catherine Ong, David Chiu, and Dennis Chiu, et al. Corporate awardees included San Miguel Brewery, Inc., Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc., SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Capitol Central Commercial Ventures Corporation, and CCLI Premier Hotels, Inc.

City officials emphasized that these recognitions reflect the strong partnership among citizens, businesses, and the local government in building a more progressive, inclusive, and resilient Bacolod. “Despite all the challenges, you remained committed to stand side by side with the government.

That is the reason we have this awarding ceremony — because you are exemplary Bacolodnons who have excelled in your respective fields,” Gasataya said as he thanked this year’s awardees.

As Bacolod marks its 88th year as a chartered city, the celebration serves as a reminder that the city’s continued growth is made possible by individuals and institutions whose dedication, excellence, and civic responsibility inspire others and strengthen the foundation for a brighter future for all Bacolodnons.(BACOLOD CITY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE)