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A Legacy of Unity: The Honorary Mayorship of Hans Sy in Bacolod City

Hon. Hans T. Sy, Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor, receives from Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran a copy of the city council’s resolution during the Sangguninang Panlungsod’s regular session January 30th. The council unanimously passed the resolution declaring Sy Bacolod’s adopted son as he “made exceptional contributions to economic development, business leadership, and philanthropy, serving as an enduring role model for community progress and innovation.”

The city of Bacolod, known for its warmth and hospitality, witnessed a historic moment on January 30 during the grand 20th Bacolaodiat Festival. The celebration, an annual fusion of Bacolod’s rich cultural heritage and Chinese traditions, took on a special significance this year.

The city proudly named Hans T. Sy, the executive committee chairman of SM Prime Holdings Inc., as its Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor—a tribute to his unwavering contributions to the city’s growth and prosperity.

Honorary Mayor Hans Sy takes over the official city executive’s seat, with his children Harvey and Hanna Carinna (2nd and 3rd from left) standing alongside Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez.

A City’s Highest Honor

Bacolaodiat, a term blending “Baco” from Bacolod and “Lao Diat,” the Fookien word for celebration, is the city’s largest Chinese New Year festivity. It stands as a testament to the strong bond between Bacolod’s Filipino and Chinese communities.

Recognizing Sy’s role in strengthening this connection, the Bacolod City Council, led by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, unanimously passed a resolution conferring upon him the esteemed title.

In a formal session, Sy was lauded for his remarkable leadership in economic development, philanthropy, and civic engagement. His efforts in promoting business, job creation, and sustainable development have shaped Bacolod into a thriving metropolis. Grateful for the recognition, Sy reflected on his long-standing ties to the city, emphasizing the inclusive nature of Bacolod’s community and its welcoming spirit.

Following the official conferment, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez warmly received Sy and his children, Harvey and Hanna Carinna, in his office. For a day, Sy embraced the role of Honorary Mayor, symbolizing his deep-rooted connection to Bacolod’s people and future.

Hon. Hans T. Sy addresses the Tsinoy and business community of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental at the Spring Festival Gala. The annual event is attended by members and families of Filipino-Chinese descent, prominent figures from the local business community, government, cultural and civic sectors. The gala, held during the Lunar New Year, is one of the highlight events of the Bacolaodiat Festival.

A Night of Celebration and Cultural Splendor

As the sun set, Bacolod’s SMX Convention Center transformed into a dazzling venue for the Spring Festival Gala, an event marking the highlight of the Bacolaodiat Festival. Hans Sy, as the evening’s guest of honor, was welcomed by Bacolaodiat, Inc. President John Stephen Sy, festival founder and chairman emeritus Alfredo Barcelona, and key city officials, including Mayor Benitez.

For 18 years since 2007, SM has invested in the city, with notable developments like the expansive SM City Bacolod, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, NU Bacolod, a multi-level carpark building, and soon within the mall complex, SM Development Corporation’s SMILE Residences, more retail and dining options at The North Block, modern facilities for BPOs, expansion of the mall’s south wing, and the redevelopment of the Manokan Country. Beyond the reclamation area, Bacolod can look forward to an SM township that is set to become an urban oasis, all of which are exciting projects that reflect the unwavering belief in the City of Smiles’ potential.

A crowd of over 2,000 guests gathered to celebrate the occasion, ushering in the Year of the Snake with grandeur. The gala showcased an array of breathtaking performances, from the mesmerizing Lion and Dragon dances to thrilling acrobatic acts. The celebration reached new heights with an electrifying performance from the National University Pep Squad, whose world-class cheerleading display captivated the audience.

Officers of the Bacolaodiat, Inc, the organizer of the annual Bacolaodiat Festival, present a token of appreciation to Honorary Mayor Hans Sy (3rd from left) for his unwavering support to Bacolod City. With Sy in photo are festival officials, left to right: Frederick Yap, chairman emeritus and festival founding father Alfredo Barcelona, Mark Gomez, Kurt Matthew So, and Bacolaodiat organization president Stephen Sy.

Beyond the revelry, Sy took the opportunity to reaffirm his dedication to Bacolod’s development. He spoke passionately about business expansion, educational initiatives, tourism growth, and disaster resilience, underscoring his long-term vision for a sustainable and prosperous city.

SM City Bacolod is one of the sites of the Bacolaodiat Festival, with stunning and crowd-drawing performances throughout the Chinese New Year festivities.

Two Decades of Cultural Harmony

Marking its 20th year, the Bacolaodiat Festival remains a pillar of unity and cultural pride. What began as a simple celebration has evolved into a city-wide spectacle, drawing people from all walks of life to honor the rich traditions of the Filipino-Chinese community.

An electrifying performance by the NU Pep Squad, 2024 UAAP Cheerdance Competition champion. This prestigious team has won an impressive total of eight UAAP cheerdance championships.

SM City Bacolod, a key hub for the festivities, witnessed a surge of visitors enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavors of the New Year. Families, friends, and business leaders came together, not just to celebrate, but to strengthen the ties that bind them as one Bacolod community.

For Hans Sy, the recognition as Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor was more than just an accolade—it was a reaffirmation of his lasting impact on the city. As Bacolod continues its journey of progress and cultural celebration, Sy’s legacy of leadership, generosity, and unwavering support will remain an enduring part of its story.

Written by Village Connect

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