Officers of the newly formed Bacolod SMILCE were formally inducted by Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya during the Bacolod MICE Summit 2026, launching a private-sector initiative designed to position the city as a premier destination for Sports, Meetings, Incentives, Leisure, Conventions, and Exhibitions, on Tuesday, August 25.
The new organization unites private stakeholders across the tourism, hospitality, travel, events, accommodation, and creative sectors in Bacolod City.
Led by President John Go of Roy’s Hotel and Convention, Bacolod SMILCE aims to foster industry collaboration, generate economic opportunities, and deliver integrated end-to-end event solutions, a press release from the group said.
The other officers are Vice President Jojo Vito (Jojo Vito Designs Gallery), Secretary Virna Tan (Association of Tour Guides of Negros Occidental), Treasurer lawyer Pinky Mirano (PMO Events), Auditor Zadhea Solinap (The Prod Team), and Public Information Officer Femmy Lee Magbanua (Merzci).
The members of the Board of Directors are Johanna Taño (Psalm 91 Event Management Services), Greg Flores (Filipiniana Tours and Travel), Carlo Sto. Tomas (Negros Island Travel Agencies and Tour Operators Association Inc.), and Edelyn Yap (Mabuhay Accommodation Alliance of Bacolod City).
“Our vision is to be a globally recognized SMILCE destination driven by excellence and sustainability,” the group state, emphasizing a shared ambition to enhance Bacolod’s competitive edge on the international stage.
The induction took place during the summit held under the theme “Building Connections, Creating Opportunities: Strengthening Bacolod’s MICE Future” at Roy’s Hotel.
The event gathered government officials and private stakeholders to outline strategic growth directions for the local tourism economy.
Key presentations included insights on destination competitiveness by Department of Tourism Western Visayas/NIR Regional Director Crisanta Marlene R. Rodriguez, Megaworld Corporation General Manager Lovelie D. Caridad, and Iloilo MICE Alliance Chairperson Natalie Lim.
Bacolod Mayor Greg G. Gasataya, Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Raymundo Puentevella, SP Committee Chairperson on Tourism Jason Isidro S. Villarosa, and Chief Tourism Operations Officer Ma. Teresa Q. Manalili—also delivered messages of support.
Following a fireside chat on event organization requirements, afternoon sessions transitioned from strategy to action with the presentation of the Bacolod MICE Alliance Framework.
Attendees concluded the summit by adopting the Board of Directors, taking their oaths, and signing a Commitment Wall, where stakeholders pledged to help build Bacolod as a leading MICE destination.*
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