Bacolod City is bullish about its goal to become a “super city.” The dream for this transformation was bared by Mayor Albee Benitez as early as 2022, for Bacolod to be “a global city with a diversified economy and skilled human resource, and model for green development and good governance.”
As the only highly urbanized city in the newly formed Negros Island Region (NIR), it is positioned to be the top driver for the wave of development for Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed into law on June 11, 2024 Republic Act (RA) 1200 creating the NIR.
Multibillion Infrastructure projects are rising across the city from the country’s top property developers in the form of mid- and high-rise mixed-use buildings, business process outsourcing towers, hotel chains, townships, and other lifestyle complexes that indicate strong investor confidence in Bacolod’s economic potential.
Iconic Bacolod-Led Infrastructure Projects
The local government itself is spearheading several infrastructure projects that would be landmarks symbolic of Bacolod. Some of the noteworthy projects are explored here.
Among the centerpiece programs of the Benitez administration is housing, addressed by the Asenso Yuhom Housing Project. This is the first shelter project under the Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino (4PH) Program first implemented in the country. The Arao site will house 17 buildings with a total of 4,456 housing units, constructed through a joint venture agreement with the consortium of WRS Holdings Inc. and Scheirman Construction Consolidated Inc. The Scheirman consortium has allocated Php2 Billion to this ongoing project in support of its commitment to build housing units for Bacolod City.
To provide better health services in the city, Bacolod is also undertaking the construction of a modern, fully-equipped health center. The Teofilo Gensoli Sr. Memorial Medical Complex will rise where the existing Bacolod City Health Center is located in Brgy. 20. It will be redeveloped to feature two 4-storey buildings on the 4-hectare property, with an estimated project cost of Php219 million. This priority project by the Benitez administration is part of his vision to provide better health care services to Bacolod City.
To further provide efficient government services and bring these closer to the public, the local government will also undertake the rehabilitation of the 61-year-old Old City Hall Building located at Araneta-Luzuriaga Streets. The location housed the seat of city governance for decades before the main offices transferred to the Bacolod City Government Center in the city’s east side. Mayor Benitez emphasized that the improvement of the old city hall is a tribute to Bacolod’s history. Incorporating new technology with the redevelopment will result in another iconic building – a modern, efficient, and inclusive hub meant to serve the needs of Bacolodnons for generations to come.
The new 4-storey building will have a 55-space parking lot which and will house numerous government offices such as the City Veterinarian’s Office, the DRRMO, Commission on Audit, General Services Office, PWD Office, Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Office, and DILG.
Another foray of the local government into public-private partnerships is the redevelopment of the Manokan Country. The city recognizes the Manokan among its cultural gems, a destination that has achieved iconic status for decades and as the home of Bacolod’s authentic chicken inasal. In partnership with property developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc., the redevelopment of the Manokan Country will prepare the same site with a modern, sustainable structure while it retains its colorful vibe that locals know as vibrant, bustling with happy smiles, and a place for good food and camaraderie.
These are just among the picks from the choice project portfolio of the city that, once completed, are set to be iconic landmarks for generations. Combined with other infrastructure and developments, Bacolod is well on its way to becoming the super city it intends to be. This is not without its challenges, but the city government, through Mayor Albee Benitez, is willing to embrace them. “Transforming Bacolod into a Super City needs super people,” the mayor said in his 2024 State of the City Address last July. “We do not need superpowers to be Super People, we just need the passion to serve, and the right values and dynamic behavior to innovate.”