200 Cops to Secure Bacolaodiat Festival

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) will deploy 200 personnel to ensure the safety of this year’s Bacolaodiat Festival, scheduled from January 31 to February 2.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, assured that the city police force has sufficient personnel to maintain peace and order throughout the festivities.

The security contingent will include personnel from the Mobile Force Company, Mobile Patrol Group, and the 10 police stations across the city.

They will be stationed at key festival sites, including 5th to 13th Lacson Streets and the main festival area at North Capitol Road.

Coronica added that 200 BCPO officers assigned to augment the Dinagyang Festival security in Iloilo City will return in time to help secure the Bacolaodiat Festival.

The Bacolod City Council has approved a PHP 5 million budget for the festival’s 20th edition, which will spotlight cultural heritage, economic partnerships, and community unity.

Key activities include:

• Temple Design Contest: Set for January 29 at 6 p.m. at McDonald’s Upper East, showcasing miniature temples combining traditional Chinese elements with modern designs.
• Snake Emperor and Empress Costume Design Contest: Scheduled for February 1 at 2 p.m. at Ayala Malls Capitol Central, featuring intricate costume designs inspired by the Year of the Snake.
• Chinese Cosplay Invasion: Happening on February 2 at 4 p.m. at North Capitol Road, where cosplayers will showcase costumes blending Chinese folklore with modern pop culture.

During the festival, Filipino-Chinese business tycoon Hans Sy will be honored as the “Adopted Son of Bacolod City” and Honorary Mayor. Sy’s contributions to Bacolod’s economic and community growth were recognized through a board resolution from Bacolaodiat, Inc., citing his leadership and lasting impact.

Sy serves as Adviser to the Board of SM Investments, Chairman of China Banking Corporation, Chairman of National University, and non-executive director at SM Prime.

“With your help and support, we aim to have a safer and more successful celebration of the Bacolaodiat Festival this 2025,” Bacolaodiat Festival Chair John Stephen Sy said, highlighting the importance of collaboration for the festival’s success.

The Bacolaodiat Festival will also feature cultural performances, a lantern street and arena dance competition, and an Asian food crawl, promising exciting experiences for locals and tourists.

In Chinese culture, the snake symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, intuition, creativity, and prosperity, aligning with this year’s celebration theme.