• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod City’s G-Hive hub at the Mansilingan Activity Center (MAC) in the barangay is envisioned to become the center for creative professionalization and MSME empowerment.
At the formal launching of the hub June 29, Bacolod’s Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (D-LEDIP) head, Frances Mae Llamas, said that G-Hive is designed to democratize technology. “By keeping this government hub open and accessible, we are ensuring that high-speed connectivity, advanced workstation technology, and premium learning modules are available to every Bacolodnon – regardless of economic status.”
The G-Hive features a Foundry, which multimedia artists may use free of charge; a Studio for filmmakers and videographers; an Academy that provides specialized training for MSMEs, including dressmakers; and a Gallery that showcases high-value MSME products, artworks, and other creative innovations, the city said in a press release.
Llamas said the “G” stands for Government, signifying the city’s commitment to providing a solid foundation, resources, and policy support, while the “Hive” represents collaboration, community, and structured industriousness.
She said the hub was established to professionalize graphic designers, visual artists, writers, software developers, and multimedia creators, many of whom have no access to industry-standard tools, legal protections, or global market networks.
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Bacolod will also benefit from G-Hive, as they can learn digital marketing, access e-commerce tools, and re-engineer their business models for the digital age, she added.
Jinky Besa, assistant production manager at Seven Seas Entertainment, which connects local talents to a globally recognized manga and graphic novel publishing house, said that G-Hive is more than just a facility – it is a sanctuary and center of inspiration for members of the creative industry.
“It is a long-awaited space where creatives can nurture their talents, pursue innovation, and turn their aspirations into reality,” Besa said in the city press release. “Having systemic support changes everything. It means the next generation of Bacoleño creatives gets to dream bigger because the infrastructure is finally there to catch them.”
Mayor Greg Gasataya, who led the launching, meanwhile, thanked Mansilingan punong barangay Franz Hughanne Tionko and the sanggunian for allowing the hub at the MAC. “Finding a space was a bit of a challenge until the barangay approved our request without any second thought.”
He also thanked all those who worked tirelessly to realize the hub that is expected to “bridge the gap between local talents with technology and the future through the core facilities.”
Joining the launch were city councilors, heads and representatives from key departments of the city, Department of Trade and Industry-Negros Occidental, Department of Science and Technology, the Association of Negros Producers, and Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, among others. | CGC
