In 2024, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental province celebrated significant achievements on both the international stage and within their region. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Negros Island Region (NIR) Act into law on June 13, establishing a new administrative region that includes Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. This act aims to enhance regional growth and improve service delivery, marking a historic reunification of the Negros provinces under one administrative umbrella.
Bacolod City has been selected to host the first Terra Madre Salone del Gusto Asia and the Pacific in November next year, highlighting its role as a global hub for slow food. Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez formalized this by signing an agreement with Slow Food International in Turin, Italy. This event underscores the city’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Negros Occidental will host the 2027 Organic World Congress, outvoting Brisbane, Australia, in a significant win for the province known as the ‘Organic Food Bowl of the Philippines.’ Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized the event’s potential to boost the organic movement and influence policy reforms globally.
The province also celebrated a unique tourism achievement when the ‘Manok ni Cano Gwapo’ at Campuestohan Highland Resort was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest chicken-shaped building. This 115-foot structure not only adds to the region’s tourism attractions but also showcases its creative spirit.
Negros Occidental and its cities and towns received multiple awards at the 2024 Pearl Awards, recognizing their excellence in tourism and event hosting. The province excelled in hosting both local and international events, while Sipalay City and Don Salvador Benedicto were honored for their sustainable tourism practices and promotional efforts.
On the security front, the province achieved a state of stable internal peace and security, reflecting successful efforts against local terrorist groups. This development is expected to boost investor confidence in the region.
Agrarian reform beneficiaries in Negros Occidental received significant debt relief under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, freeing them from over PHP816 million in debts. This move is part of broader efforts to support the agricultural sector.
Bacolod City also made strides in sustainable energy by installing a 400-kilowatt solar power system at the City Government Center, a move praised for its environmental and economic benefits.
However, the year was not without challenges. The El Niño phenomenon caused substantial damage to crops, leading to states of calamity in several areas. Additionally, the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon towards the year’s end displaced thousands and prompted a provincial state of calamity declaration, highlighting the ongoing need for disaster preparedness and response.