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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Old Bacolod airport to be developed as urban oasis

Old Bacolod airport to be developed as urban oasis

Published Feb 4, 2025 01:17 pm

BACOLOD CITY – Filipino-Chinese business tycoon Hans T. Sy recently announced that the old Bacolod airport in Barangay Singcang-Airport here will be developed as an urban oasis.

BENITEZ SY.jpg

MAYOR Albee Benitez with Filipino-Chinese business tycoon Hans T. Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc., during the Spring Festival Gala at SMX Convention Center in celebration of the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival in Bacolod City. (Photo courtesy of Albee Benitez Facebook)

Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc., revealed that the 20-hectare mixed use development will feature a new upscale shopping and lifestyle center, business processing and outsourcing (BPO) offices, and other commercial projects that the business sector and the city will benefit from.

“We are happy to announce that SM's township along Araneta Ave., where the old Bacolod airport was, will become an urban oasis,” Sy said in a message during the Spring Festival Gala at SMX Convention Center in celebration of the recent 20th Bacoloadiat Festival here.

This exciting project reflects our unwavering belief in Bacolod's potential, Sy said, adding that he is proud and inspired to be part of Bacolod's transformation.

“We ask you to look at us always as your partner, supporting your aspirations of progress and prosperity to benefit everyone,” Sy said.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has allowed the city government to use the government portion of a 40-hectare site in Barangay Singcang-Airport. 

The Philippine Airlines and CAAP were each awarded 20 hectares of the property after its ownership was divided.

SM Prime acquired a lot after PAL’s creditor, the Philippine National Bank (PNB), bid out its part of the property.

The old airport was closed when the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental began operating in January 2008.

Mayor Albee Benitez said that the city owns a four-hectare lot in that site.

Benitez said that the city has proposed a joint venture with SM Prime regarding the project. He added that SM is considering the proposal.

Benitez said that the city wants to build something more along the coastline. 

“Basically, we want to create an iconic waterfront, where people can enjoy, aside from the existing coastal areas in Barangay Punta Taytay and few others,” he added.

Benitez, who considered the Bacolaodiat Festival successful, thanked Sy for his unwavering commitment to this city’s growth.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Police Office reported zero major crime incidents during the week-long festival from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2.

Police thanked the public, the festival organizers, and agencies involved for making this year’s festival peaceful and a joyous celebration.

Related Tags

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