Bacolod in focus

Bacolod City offers an interesting mix of charms that make it an attractive tourist destination and city to settle in.

It has always been one of the more popular cities in the country, with attractions not limited to historical sites, famous landmarks, and proximity to mountains and beaches. There are also unique and festive celebrations, rich culture, and the gentle and uplifting demeanor of its people. It’s no wonder that the city gained the moniker, “City of Smiles.”

Old and new

Despite being the most populous city in its region and given the continued modernization of the city, Bacolod has managed to preserve its wealth of tradition and culture—retaining the allure of an urbanized city with country charm. This integration of the old and new makes Bacolod an attractive investment destination for entrepreneurs and among the top retirement locations for seniors and veterans.

As the center of communication, trade, and service of the province of Negros Occidental, Bacolod City continuously excels in running its gears in highest competence. In 2021, the capital city of Negros Occidental was named the most business-friendly local government unit under the category of highly urbanized cities outside the National Capital Region by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It was the second time Bacolod City won the top honors after clinching the same award in 2007.

Expanding real estate market

The city has also since seen its real estate market expanding, as developers launch residential condominiums and horizontal projects within mixed-use estates and townships. Demand, according to Colliers Philippines, is likely to be supported by the completion of infrastructure projects such as Bacolod–Silay Airport Access Road widening and the Bacolod Negros Occidental Economic Highway (BANOCEH).

The P7.97-billion BANOCEH project involves opening, concreting, and widening of 38.76 km of new roads and construction of 10 new bridges, as well as improvement of the existing 11.15-km road and six bridges, including the provision of slope protection structures.

It starts in Sum-ag in Bacolod City and ends in Victorias City, providing an alternate route from the southern Negros to northern Negros, and vice versa, passing through Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City.

This multi-year infrastructure project in Western Visayas was implemented under the “Build, Build, Build” program of the Duterte Administration and construction started in April 2017. It is expected to be completed in December 2024 and expected to benefit 20,000 travelers per day.

Growth potential

Bacolod City remains a highly attractive location for developers given its thriving economy and growth potential. Many business processing outsourcing firms have pioneered offices in the city to expand services beyond Metro Manila. The planned improvement of the city’s infrastructure continues to entice investors.

Continuous developments and master planning will elevate the city further. In April 2023, the city government of Bacolod shared that it was eyeing the 40-ha site of the old Bacolod airport for redevelopment to stimulate economic growth in the southern part of the city.

According to Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, SM Prime Holdings, which acquired the 20-ha portion of the property previously owned by the Philippine Airlines (PAL), has submitted a proposal for a joint development program to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). This airport was closed when the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City began its operations in January 2008.

Sources: Inquirer Archives, Colliers International Philippines, bacolodcity.gov.ph, Philippine News Agency