Bacolod marks 88th Charter Day with unity theme

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod marked its 88th Charter Day celebration Thursday, highlighting the city’s continued progress rooted in the collective efforts of its citizens.

This year’s celebration, themed “Bacolod Stronger Together,” kicked off with a grand mobile parade featuring city officials, employees, national government agencies, barangays, civil society organizations, volunteer groups, schools, and uniformed personnel.

The city government implemented temporary road closures and traffic rerouting along affected areas.

A Charter Day job fair was also held at SM City Bacolod.

Mayor Greg Gasataya said Charter Day is not only a commemoration of Bacolod’s cityhood but also a tribute to the resilience, dedication, and aspirations of its people, whose commitment to service, excellence, and community-building has helped shape the city into one of the country’s most dynamic highly urbanized cities.

Gasataya said the presence of the people during the grand parade showed the significance of the occasion.

“There is no greater honor in my life than having been blessed with the opportunity to serve Bacolod, as a son of this city, born and raised.”

A major highlight of the celebration was the Ang Banwahanon Awards 2026, which honored individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, compassion, and dedication have made a meaningful impact on the community.

The awards recognized Bacolodnons and groups who embody the true spirit of being Banwahanon through selfless service, civic responsibility, and contributions to the welfare and development of the city.

Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez was the keynote speaker for the ceremonies.

The celebration will continue Friday, June 19, with the city’s first Festival of Dances at the Bacolod City Government Center.

The competition will feature eight groups composed of employees from various city government offices and departments.

Performances will be inspired by the city’s festivals, traditions, and barangay culture, and will aim to promote camaraderie, teamwork, creativity, and cultural appreciation among public servants while celebrating the rich heritage of the city’s communities.

The celebration commemorates the signing of Commonwealth Act No. 326 by then-President Manuel L. Quezon on June 18, 1938, which officially created the City of Bacolod.

The date was later declared a special nonworking holiday in the city through Republic Act No. 11146.