Bacolod City – The inclusion of our beloved city in the Top 1,000 cities in the world is a glaring proof that the ongoing initiatives of our administration are reaping rewards for our residents that are now being recognized by foreign groups, said Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
“I am very excited upon knowing that we are the only city in Western Visayas that made it to the list of Oxford Economics, and one of the only 9 cities from the Philippines,” he said in a statement.
Based on the listing, out of the 1,000 top cities, Bacolod City made it to the 538th spot.
The study is based on the following categories – economics, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance on top of other key indicators.
The other Philippine cities that made it to the roster are Manila on 256th spot, Cebu City on 436th, Cagayan de Oro City (Misamis Oriental) – 487th, Davao City – 500th, Angeles City (Pampanga) – 502nd, Dagupan City (Pangasinan) – 604th, Zamboanga City – 695th, and General Santos City (South Cotabato) – 723rd spot.
“I expect that investors will consider the recognition in determining business goals and decisions, and such recognition will carry a lot of weight when they will decide to invest. More investments means more economic activity, which will result in more job opportunities for Bacolodnons,” Benitez said.
“During my recent State of the City Address, I said that my dream of bringing Bacolod to the next level is coupled by a plan. And I am committed that I will not stop until that dream becomes a reality,” he said.
“I want to make Bacolod the best place to live, work and play and that means to make Bacolod City a truly global, modern, inclusive and sustainable Super City,” Benitez added.
“My fellow Bacolodnons, let us continue to embrace change as we embark in transforming Bacolod City together, as a Super City,” the Mayor concluded. (Chrysee Semillano via The Visayan Daily Star)