• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod government and Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) have signed a partnership agreement Oct. 8 to collaborate on tourism circuit development, with the company committing to turn its properties into gateways to the highly-urbanized city.
“Whether through our foundation, our malls, our hotels, our office buildings, or our residential communities, we will transform every touchpoint into a gateway to Bacolod,” RLC president and chief executive officer Mybelle Aragon-GoBio said at the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby.
“We will showcase not only what Creative Bacolod has to offer, but what makes Bacolod truly special: its creativity, its culture, and people,” she stressed.
Under the MOA that is valid for three years upon signing, the Creative Bacolod Tourism Circuit seeks to connect the city’s cultural, historical, creative, culinary, lifestyle, commercial, and community destinations through curated experiences, including day tours.
The LGU and RLC collaboration includes tourism circuit development, branding and wayfinding, tourism mobility, tourist-guide training, transport sector engagement, creative and cultural programs, and joint promotion, among others.
Robinsons opened its first-ever provincial mall in Bacolod,” the first female president and CEO of RLC said. “Almost 30 years ago, we were the first to believe in the potential of this city—and today, our faith in Bacolod is stronger than ever. That is why, out of every city in the country, we chose Bacolod as the landmark pilot site for our newest venture.”
She said a tourism lounge will be established at Robinsons Place Bacolod so mallgoers and visitors can learn more about the city’s destinations, culture, events, and experiences, while the CityWalk will be transformed into a destination for tourism, culture, and creativity to provide local artists, entrepreneurs, and community groups with a platform to showcase their talents and stories.
“We will explore better mobility options, including a hop-on, hop-off service that provides a more convenient and sustainable way to experience the Creative Bacolod Tourism Circuit,” she said. “Our office buildings serve as gateways not only for tourism, but also for business and investment. Through meetings, conferences, exhibits, local product fairs, cultural displays, and city promotions, they can connect more people to the opportunities Bacolod has to offer.”
The RLC also said the partnership with Bacolod is the first local initiative under its “Hand in Hand for Progress” community development platform, which brings the company closer to local government, businesses, institutions, and communities, who contribute to the progress of the places they share. | CGC
