BACOLOD City was named for the second straight year as among the “most livable urban centers in the country.”
During the Search for the Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities 2018 of The Manila Times, the “City of Smiles” was adjudged first runner-up, after Davao City.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who accepted the award at ceremonies at Conrad Hotel Tuesday, June 19, said that the award “was inspiring, considering that we were competing with other big and dynamic cities, including Davao City. If we come right after Davao, that is still something to crow about. Likewise, this ranking shows how consistent we are.”
Aside from the major award, Bacolod was also cited as “Most Business-Friendly City,” one of the categories of the contest.
Last year, Bacolod was the grand winner in the Top Philippine Model City 2017 Awards — the first edition of the said contest of The Manila Times, the oldest newspaper in the country at 120 years old.
Leonardia received the plaque from The Manila Times president and chief executive officer Dante “Klink” Ang and chief operating officer Blanca Mercado.
Also present were Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Councilor Bartolome Orola, City Administrator John Orola, City Tourism Officer Ma. Elma Gerasmo, City Development Council Vice Chairman George Zulueta, Permits and Licensing head Stela Rose Rayos, LIEP (Local Economic and Investment Promotions) Officer Jonah Javier, and private secretary Edwina Javier.
(Validation)
Leonardia, in an interview after the awarding ceremony, said he was ecstatic. “We are very, very pleased. This, for me, is a validation and proof of consistency. Last year, we were called as the ‘Top Model City’ and this time we came very close to that after Davao.”
The mayor said the first runner-up finish of Bacolod further validated what people say about and experience in Bacolod.
“What is even an added incentive and inspiration is that we were given a special title as the ‘Most Business-Friendly City’ by the evaluating team of The Manila Times,” the mayor said.
“Bacolod is really growing, and not just growing — in fact, it is growing very rapidly. All the big players are here now and the developments are all over. Now it can be told that ‘Bacolod is the next big thing,’” Leonardia said.
For his part, Familiaran said, “As the vice mayor, it is an honor for me and the entire City Council for Bacolod to receive this award, and this is an inspiration for us to do better than best next year.”
Councilor Orola said he “cannot express his happiness” upon learning that Bacolod City made it again to the Top Philippine Model Cities’ list. As a first-time councilor, he is very proud to accompany the mayor in receiving the award.
This only shows the spirit of teamwork among city officials, he added.
City Administrator Orola said, “I am very happy that Bacolod City made it again. As you all know, the mayor, as well as the vice mayor, our council members, officers and all those in the bureaucracy contributed to all these efforts.”
“But, of course, under the leadership of Mayor Leonardia, I can see the dynamism in his leadership, I can see that the progress that is going on in Bacolod City is a manifestation and indication that Bacolod indeed is on the right track. So as the mayor says, ‘damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead, let us move forward.’”
Meanwhile, Laoag City was declared second runner-up in the said search.
The chairman of the board of judges was lawyer Lea Roque, principal and head of Tax Advisory and Compliance of P & A Grant Thornton. (PR)