Bacolod City will celebrate its 88th Charter Day today, June 18, with a lineup of activities honoring the city’s history, achievements, culture, and community spirit.
This year’s celebration, themed “Bacolod Stronger Together”, commemorates the signing of Commonwealth Act No. 326 by then President Manuel L. Quezon on June 18, 1938, which officially created the City of Bacolod. The date was later declared a special non-working holiday in the city through Republic Act 11146.
The festivities will begin with a grand mobile parade this morning, featuring city officials, employees, national government agencies, barangays, civil society organizations, volunteer groups, schools, and uniformed personnel.
Parade contingents will follow two main routes. Participants from the Capitol route will assemble at South Capitol Road and pass by Lacson and Rizal streets toward the public plaza area. Downtown contingents, meanwhile, will assemble near Araneta Street, proceed through Araneta, Gonzaga, and Rizal streets, and on to the main program venue.
The city government will implement temporary road closures and traffic rerouting along affected areas. Motorists and commuters are advised to plan their trips ahead, use alternate routes, and follow the instructions of traffic enforcers and law enforcement personnel deployed for the event.
Charter Day Celebration chairman, Councilor Homer Bais, said the annual observance is a time for Bacolodnons to reflect on the city’s journey of growth and transformation, while recognizing the people and institutions that continue to help move Bacolod forward.
A major highlight of the celebration is the Ang Banwahanon Awards 2026, which will honor individuals and organizations, whose leadership, service, compassion, and dedication have made a meaningful impact to the community, the city said in a press release.
Groups and Bacolodnons, who embody the true spirit of being Banwahanon through selfless service, civic responsibility, and contributions to the welfare and development of the city, will be feted during the awarding ceremony tonight at the Bacolod Government Center.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said Charter Day is not only a commemoration of Bacolod’s cityhood, but also a tribute to the resilience, dedication, and aspirations of the Bacolodnon people.
He emphasized that Bacolod’s continued progress is rooted in the collective effort of its citizens, whose commitment to service, excellence, and community-building has helped shape the city into one of the country’s most dynamic highly urbanized cities.
The celebration will continue on June 19 with the city’s first-ever Festival of Dances at the Bacolod Government Center at 5 p.m.
The competition will feature eight groups composed of employees from various offices and departments of the city government. Performances will be inspired by Bacolod’s festivals, traditions, and barangay culture.
Unlike traditional barangay-based competitions, the inaugural Festival of Dances will place city government employees at center stage, promoting camaraderie, teamwork, creativity, and cultural appreciation among public servants while celebrating the rich heritage of Bacolod’s communities. ||
