• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Tycoon Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc., said Jan. 30 that he is deeply humbled to be declared as adopted son of Bacolod City, and its honorary mayor during the 20th staging of the Bacolaodiat Festival.
“I know that Bacolod is a city with a deep sense of community and an enduring partnership with its Filipino Chinese community,” Sy said in his message at the conferment ceremony at the Bacolod Government Center Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall Thursday afternoon.
He said this is why, “for 18 years since 2007, SM has invested in this city that celebrates diversity and progress, which makes for today’s vibrant and revitalized Bacolod”.
The business magnate, who was accompanied by his son Harvey and daughter Hanna Carinna Sy, said he is also reminded of the values imparted by his father, Henry Sy Sr., who was similarly honored by the city in 2017.
“He believed in inclusivity, in 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,” Sy said of his father.
“These principles continue to guide me in all I do. (And) 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, and job generation,” he added.
The honoree stressed his personal advocacy – sustainability and disaster prevention programs – that aim to shield Bacolodnons from natural calamities and unforeseen risks.
Sy also thanked the Filipino-Chinese community of Bacolod for their “enduring contributions” to the 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 added.
Mayor Alfredo Benitez had said that Sy has made “exceptional contributions to economic development, business leadership, and philanthropy, serving as an enduring role model for community progress and innovation.”
“Mr. Sy’s leadership has not only driven growth in business and investment in Bacolod City, but has also reflected a profound commitment to social responsibility, family values, and civic engagement that resonate deeply with the ideals of our Chinese brethren,” Benitez stressed.
The Bacolaodiat Inc., an organization of Filipino-Chinese that’s been taking the lead in the Lunar New Year celebration in the city over the years, also earlier passed a resolution unanimously choosing Sy as adopted son of Bacolod, noting his “unparalleled achievements and dedication to advancing the welfare of the community.” | CGC
