Living in Bacolod can be quite sweet—literally and figuratively.
This Western Visayan city is built on the wealth of sugar plantations of the past. Bacolod, however, has managed to enrich this legacy by developing its food fare. The island is known for its sugary delicacies such as the Piaya, Butterscotch and Napoleones.
Beyond its mouthwatering food, however, Bacolod also offers a lot of wonderful things to every kind of traveler. The city is known for its hospitable locals, scenic spots and rising economy. Its ideal setup has won it several accolades such as the “Tourism Award of the Year” by Asia Leaders Awards and the “Most Business Friendly National Finalist” by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
If you’re up for a life in the islands beyond Metro Manila, check out why Bacolod ought to be one of your top choices. There are a lot of things that make this province truly the “City of Smiles.”
A sunny economy
With its 6.4 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2019, Bacolod is the fourth largest economy outside the National Capital Region. This allows it to provide thousands of jobs for its citizens, in industries such as banking, tourism and business process outsourcing (BPO).
Bacolod City is also attractive to investors because of the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives it offers. The local government provides assistance to businesses planning to procure permits, and provides qualified investors certain exemptions from fees if they are investing in priority areas of growth. This has allowed the city to grow exponentially, reducing unemployment and crime incidence in the process.
Road to recovery
As with many cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bacolod was quite affected by the quarantines imposed since last year. The local government, however, has a solid plan in jumpstarting the recovery process of the city.
For one, Bacolod has invested in 19 COVID-19 quarantine and isolation facilities. The city has also acquired additional land to build the proposed Bacolod General Hospital. Several socialized housing projects are also in the works, with these homes having immediate access to job centers. The ongoing construction of a Bacolod Economic Highway is set to improve road connections between farms and markets. All these are anticipated to help Bacolod reclaim, if not exceed, its former glory during the pre-pandemic days.
Exciting projects ahead
As Bacolod City gears up for the new normal, it continues to promote its colorful and cultural activities via planned developments.
The city is currently working on building its Bacolod Museum and MassKara Arena which will promote arts in the area. The cultural complex has a budget of P800 million and is geared to accommodate future sports events in the city. According to Mayor Evelio Leonardia, the structure will be “befitting the stature of Bacolod as a highly-urbanized city and as one of the fastest-growing local economies (thedailyguardian.net).”
The best is yet to come
With exciting opportunities and prospects ahead of it, Bacolod City has lots to look forward to in the upcoming years. It is perfect for you if you want to find work-life balance in a progressive city.
Whether you’re an investor looking for the next big destination or a young breadwinner set to start a new family, come to Bacolod and see what this beautiful island has to offer. You may be surprised to know that besides festivals and food, there are other reasons to smile in this lovely city. It’s a city where life can be truly sweet—if not in the wallet at least on the tooth.
Sources: Bacolodcity.gov.ph; Thedailyguardian.net; LG+V Architect/Planners via Pna.gov.ph; Joncabiles, Paolobon140, and Carabaopower via Wikimedia Commons