Bacolodnons asked to take part in devt

BACOLOD CITY: A business tycoon who was conferred honorary mayor and adopted son in this city has called on the Bacolodnons to be “part of the process of change.”

“I cannot emphasize enough that while leaders are at the forefront of championing our causes, real change begins with each of us,” said Lucio Co in a speech read by his representative Johnny Uy during the Spring Festival Gala at SMX Convention Center here.

“People must be part of the process of change, and so I call on all of you to play your distinct and unique role in building a better Bacolod for future generations,” Co said.

The businessman paid tribute to the Bacolod City government under Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, who, he said, “has done a tremendous job in bringing development, prosperity, and peace and order to this great city.”

“Since 2013, our presence here has grown and we look forward to the continued strengthening of our holdings here to the benefit of the people of this City of Smiles for whom we hope we can create more jobs and greater livelihood opportunities,” said Co.

“As much as I would love to call Bacolod home and be your honorary mayor full-time, I know that I do not need to. You are all in the very able hands of Mayor Albee Benitez who has done a tremendous job in bringing development, prosperity, and peace and order to this great city,” he added.

He cited various projects under the Benitez administration, including the Asenso Yuhum Housing Project; institutionalization of Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BacHIP); Manokan Country Redevelopment Plan; Bacolod North Public Market and Terminal Renovation Project; Bacolod Fountains Renovation Plans; the construction of a new Bacolod Legislative Building; Bacolod Integrated Recycling and Teaching Hub (Birth) Plans; completion of the Bacolod Coliseum and Museum; Bacolod Eco Park in Barangay Alangilan; completion of Multipurpose Building with Skate Park in Arao, Barangay Vista Alegre; and installation of the Bacolod Express Services Office in Ayala Malls Capitol Central, among others.

Other taipans who were conferred the title honorary mayors of Bacolod include Lucio Tan, John Gokongwei, Henry Sy Sr., Jose Mari Chan, Andrew Tan and Kevin Tan.

“Our honorary mayors are all billionaires so it is among those ranks that we are very proud to include for our latest addition in Mr. Lucio Co to the ranks of Honorary Mayor of the City of Bacolod,” the mayor said.

The mayor also revealed that S&R, owned by Co is set to open in the city in March.

Co brought into the city Puregold and Bredco and Port Facilities which are big establishments that contribute to the economy of the city.

Co was represented by daughter Camille Clarisse Co Lao and her husband Michael Stephen Lao during the conferment at the Bacolod Government Center.