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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Bacolod fetes taipan for significant contributions

Bacolod fetes taipan for significant contributions

Published Jan 30, 2025 01:18 pm

BACOLOD CITY – Filipino-Chinese business tycoon Hans T. Sy was warmly welcomed during the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival here on Thursday, Jan. 30.

Sy, accompanied by his son Harvey and daughter Hanna Carinna during their visit at the Bacolod City Government Center, was named Honorary Mayor and Adopted Son of this city in recognition of his significant contributions here.

HANS SY.jpg

ADOPTED SON OF BACOLOD CITY – Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee, is conferred as Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod City as part of its Chinese New Year celebration and in recognition of his 18 years of contributions to economic development, business leadership, and philanthropy in Bacolod. In photo: Honorary Mayor Hans T. Sy with (standing from left) Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez and Hans Sy's children Harvey T. Sy and Hanna Carinna T. Sy at the Bacolod City Government Center. 

The City Council headed by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran presented a resolution to Sy for his instrumental contributions to Bacolod’s economic and community growth.

Sy visited the Mayor’s Office and was greeted by Mayor Albee Benitez and Bacoloadiat Festival organizers led by chairman John Stephen Sy.

Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc., thanked the city government for the recognition as well as honoring the enduring legacy of his father, the late taipan Henry Sy Sr., who was also honored by this city in 2017.

“I am deeply humbled to be conferred these titles of this beautiful city,” Sy said in his acceptance speech.

Sy said that he is reminded of the values imparted by his father, who believed in inclusivity, doing what is right, and the transformative power of working together towards the goal of a better tomorrow, no matter how hard or unpopular the road we take may seem. 

“These principles continue to guide me in all I do,” he said.  “It is with this spirit that I have worked to support Bacolod's growth, not just through business but also by contributing to programs that uplift the lives of its people through education, tourism, job generation and my personal advocacy – sustainability and disaster prevention programs that aim to shield Bacolodnons from natural calamities and unforeseen risks,” Sy said.

He said that Bacolod always has a special place in his heart as some of his close friends while he was studying at the Dela Salle University on Taft Ave. in Manila hail from here which enabled him to know that they are very cultured, fun, food-loving, and loyal to their friends and family.

“Because of my good friends, I know that Bacolod is a city with a deep sense of community and an enduring partnership with its Filipino-Chinese community,” he said.

Sy said that SM has invested in this city for 18 years since 2007 and celebrates diversity and progress which make today’s vibrant and revitalized Bacolod City.

He also thanked the Filipino-Chinese community here for their enduring contributions to this city. "Your hard work and dedication have helped shape Bacolod into the thriving place it is today. By making me part of your family, you inspire me to continue building projects that will form a legacy of innovation through collaboration,” he said.

The Chinese New Year here was held on Jan. 28 with a grand celebration at the Yuan Thong Temple with the theme “Keep Going, the Future is Bright.”

Benitez participated in the midnight bell-ringing ceremony and revealed three great wishes – that Bacolod may rise as a Super City, that it may overcome challenges, and that it will be protected from calamities.

John Stephen Sy emphasized the significance of the occasion in honoring the Filipino-Chinese community’s contributions to this city’s growth and development.

He said that the festival has reached a significant milestone as it enters its second decade with the enduring spirit and cultural pride that began in its inception in 2005.

John Stephen cited the festival’s theme that aligns with the Year of the Snake symbolizing transformation and growth. “Let’s embrace the Year of the Snake with open hearts and festive spirits. May this year bring wisdom, strength, and prosperity to all,” he said.

The highlights of the festival are slated from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 on Lacson St. and the North Capitol Road.

Related Tags

Bacolod City Hans T. Sy SM Prime Holdings Inc. Mayor Albee Benitez Bacolaodiat Festival
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