Bago City Marks 59th Charter Anniversary Amid Kanlaon Threat

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Bago City is celebrating its 59th charter anniversary with a series of month-long activities, highlighting its resilience and progress despite challenges, including the looming threat of Kanlaon Volcano’s activity.

Mayor Nicholas Yulo led the opening ceremony of the Agro-Industrial, Cultural, and Educational Trade Fair at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center (MYTMCCC) on Feb. 10, officially kicking off the celebration.

“Fifty-nine years is no joke, especially when you see how our city has progressed since 1966,” Yulo said. “Success is not just about how far we’ve climbed but how we make a positive difference in the world.”

This year’s celebration, themed “Celebrating 59 Years of Strength and Prosperity: Surmounting Challenges, Cultivating Hope,” runs from Feb. 3 to March 1, featuring pre- and post-charter activities.

Yulo recalled that Bago was once a small community outside Bacolod, and its transformation into a city was driven by strong leadership, particularly under former Mayor Manuel “Tutay” Torres.

“Decades later, we remain committed to the same vision, and our dedication to public service remains in our hearts,” he stressed.

The Agro-Industrial, Cultural, and Educational Trade Fair remains a key event, reflecting the city’s economic growth, particularly in agriculture and small enterprises (MSMEs).

The opening ceremony was attended by:

• Vice Mayor Ramon Torres
• Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
• City hall department heads
• Representatives from national government agencies

The city had already hosted several pre-event activities, including:

• 5th Kurit Baylan (Feb. 3) – A celebration of creativity and local talent in National Arts Month at Bantayan Park
• TODA Solidarity Day 2025 (Feb. 5) – Attended by 1,500 tricycle drivers and operators at MYTMCCC
• Responsible Pet Ownership Program & My Dog Got Talent (Feb. 6) at Bantayan Park
• OFW Family Day 2025 (Feb. 7) at MYTMCCC
• Charter Anniversary Duathlon Challenge (Feb. 8) at City Hall Grounds
• Farmers Weekend Market (Feb. 8) at Bantayan Park
• Second Flying Disc – Frisbee Competition (Feb. 8-9) at Manuel Y. Torres Sports Center
• Mayor Nikko Yulo MTB Challenge 2025 (Feb. 9) at Bantayan Park
• Livelihood Skills Olympics (Feb. 10) at Saint John the Baptist Church Covered Court

Among the key events in the coming days are:

• Charter Anniversary Job Fair (Feb. 12) at MYTMCCC
• Employees Day Awarding & Recognition Ceremony (Feb. 13) at MYTMCCC
• Babaylan Costume Exhibit Opening (Feb. 13) at Balay ni Tan Juan Community Museum
• LGU Employees Day 2025 (Feb. 14) at MYTMCCC
• ZumBago Fitness Event (Feb. 15) at Bantayan Park
• Sagip Mata Program Part 2 (Feb. 16) at City Health Office Grounds
• Diwata sang Bago 2025 Grand Pageant (Feb. 16) at MYTMCCC
• Farmers & Fisherfolk Day (Feb. 17) at Bantayan Park
• Fantasia sang Bago 2025 (Feb. 17) at MYTMCCC
• Gawad Bagonhon 2025 (Feb. 18) at MYTMCCC
• Charter Anniversary Celebrity Basketball Game (Feb. 18) at Ramon Torres National High School Gym

The highlight of the anniversary celebration on Feb. 19 includes:

• Thanksgiving Mass at Saint John the Baptist Church
• Flag-raising and Parade at Bago Public Plaza
• Awarding Ceremony for:
  • Babaylan Costume Parade
  • Clean and Green Contest
  • Agro Trade Fair
  • Best Product Search at MYTMCCC

Mayor Yulo earlier issued Executive Order (EO) No. 3, Series of 2025, regulating night events in the city due to the potential escalation of Kanlaon Volcano’s activity.

Despite this, Bago continues to celebrate its progress, marking another year of resilience, economic growth, and community pride.