BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia is one of the finalists at the Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) 2018, where he is nominated in two of the 20 categories: Lifetime Excellence Award and Mentor of the Year Award.

The City of Bacolod is also a finalist in the Tourism Company of the Year Award.

Leonardia said: "This is not personal at all. Any recognition we get such as those coming from National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) are all due to the people of Bacolod because they are the reason why all these positive developments are happening."

The ALA, a culmination of Asia Leaders Forum, recognizes and acknowledges leading men and women in various industries who have exhibited exemplary leadership and contributed in promoting the country as a premier business hub in Asia.

The Gala Night and awarding ceremony will be held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Manila on November 15.

There are 30 finalists in the Lifetime Excellence category, including Leonardia for city governance. Among the other finalists are Dr. Andrew Tan of Megaworld for real estate, Gina Lopez of ABS-CBN for the environment, and former senator Rene Saguisag for human rights.

The ALA Lifetime Excellence award recognizes a notable individual for his or her outstanding personality and exceptional commitment to improving the business environment of the country.

The ALA Mentor of the Year Award recognizes persons who demonstrate a strong commitment to help the Filipinos and beyond, and possesses courage, leadership and moral value to develop and impart new perspective in both business and career. (PR)