The inclusion of Bacolod City in the Top 1,000 cities in the world is proof that ongoing initiatives of his administration are reaping rewards for Bacolodnons that are now being recognized by foreign groups, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez said in a statement on Saturday, July 6.
An Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2024 study ranked Bacolod City as one of nine cities in the Philippines, and the only one in Western Visayas, that made it to its 1,000 Top Cities in the World list.
“I am very excited upon knowing that we are the only city in Western Visayas that made it to the list of Oxford Economics, and one of the only nine cities from the Philippines,” Benitez said in his statement released by his spokesman Caesar Distrito.
Based on the listing, out of the 1,000 top cities, Bacolod City made it to the 538th spot.
The study is based on the following categories – economics, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance on top of other key indicators.
The other Philippine cities that made it to the top 1,000 are Manila in the 256th spot, Cebu City – 436th, Cagayan de Oro City (Misamis Oriental) – 487th, Davao City – 500th, Angeles City (Pampanga) – 502nd, Dagupan City (Pangasinan) – 604th, Zamboanga City – 695th, and General Santos City (South Cotabato) om the 723rd spot.
“I expect that investors will consider the recognition in determining business goals and decisions, and such recognition will carry a lot of weight when they will decide to invest. More investments, means more economic activity, which will result to more job opportunities to Bacolodnons,” Benitez said.
Benitez reiterated that during his recent State of the City Address, he said his dream of bringing Bacolod to the next level is coupled by a plan. “I am committed that I will not stop until that dream becomes a reality,” her said.
“I want to make Bacolod the best place to live, work and play and that means to make Bacolod City a truly global, modern, inclusive and sustainable Super City,” Benitez added.*