Hans Sy: SM’s biggest develop 20-has. township at the old Bacolod Airport

By Carla N. Cañet

Bacolod City’s Honorary Mayor and adopted son, the Hon. Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee announced the biggest development that SM will undertake is the development of a 20-hectare mixed use development township along Araneta Avenue at the old Bacolod airport which he aims to become an urban oasis.

He announced this during the Spring Festival Gala Night held at the SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City on January 30, 2025.
He said, “It will have a new upscale shopping and lifestyle center, BPOs and other commercial projects that the business sector and the city will surely benefit from. These exciting projects reflect our unwavering belief in Bacolod’s potential. We ask you to look at us always as your partner, supporting your aspirations of progress and prosperity to benefit everyone.”

By fostering employment in this sector, Bacolod continues to transform into a hub of digital natives who will contribute much to the city’s economic vitality – without leaving the country. Our South Wing expansion will have additional spaces for new experiences, something the world-traveling Bacolodnons will really enjoy such as a gamepark, new cinemas and national prestige brands.
The Year of the Snake encourages us to think long-term, make calculated decisions, and foster partnerships for meaningful change, “I am proud and inspired to be part of Bacolod’s transformation.

MANOKAN COUNTRY

One of the key initiatives we are proud to support is the redevelopment of Manokan Country, known for its local and cultural significance. It is not just a dining destination but a symbol of Bacolod’s identity, a popular first stop upon arriving in the city. Our collaboration with the local government aims to create a future-ready and disaster-resilient infrastructure, one that enhances this unique and “manamit” Bacolod experience for both locals and tourists,” he said.

He added that a revitalized Manokan Country will ensure that it remains a beacon for tourism and a source of economic progress for its community of tenants who have made it a cherished part of Bacolod’s heritage. Our commitment to the growth and well-being of Manokan’s tenants is firm – we will provide financial literacy workshops, safer, new and more sustainable facilities and a beautiful building that will surely bring in more customers.

This redevelopment is more than a structural upgrade; it is a step toward preserving Bacolod’s traditions while embracing its potential as a world-class city as much as the European markets and food halls define destinations such as Madrid, Barcelona and London.

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Another pledge of our commitment to the city – an advocacy that is close to my heart – is the establishment of NU Bacolod, the first Visayas-Mindanao campus of National University, which opened in August 2024.

NU’s vision and mission is to provide accessible and high-quality education without the burden of prohibitive tuition fees, providing young Filipinos with the modern-day tools they need to succeed in this competitive world.

NU’s growth-now nearing 70,000 enrollees across its campuses nationwide-underscores my dream to enable the next generation of leaders and innovators.
“My father always said that education is vital for economic development, and with the opening of NU in Bacolod, we foresee a future workforce that contributes positively to the city’s prosperity and growth. We are excited about the development of the North Block building, which serves as both the campus for NU Bacolod, as well as providing modern facilities for BPOs.” he said.

As we celebrate this auspicious Chinese New Year, we hope we can all embrace the values of opportunity and new beginnings, he said