Hans Sy named adopted son, honorary mayor of Bacolod at 20th Bacolaodiat Festival
Hon. Hans T. Sy, Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor, receives from Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran a copy of the city council’s resolution during the Sangguninang Panlungsod’s regular session January 30th. The council unanimously passed the resolution declaring Sy Bacolod’s adopted son as he “made exceptional contributions to economic development, business leadership, and philanthropy, serving as an enduring role model for community progress and innovation.”
The executive committee chairman of integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings Inc., Hans T. Sy, was honored January 30 the title Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod City during the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival, one of the country’s largest Chinese New Year celebrations.
Bacolaodiat is a combination of the words “Baco” for Bacolod and “Lao Diat,” the Fookien meaning for celebration. The festival showcases the strong connection between Bacolod City and the Filipino-Chinese community.
Official Conferment by the Bacolod City Council
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran presented a resolution formalizing the recognition during the Bacolod City Council’s regular session, recognizing Sy’s outstanding contributions to the city’s economic development, leadership, and philanthropic efforts. Unanimously passed by council members, the resolution also praised his commitment to social responsibility, family values, and civic engagement, particularly in the city.
In response, Sy expressed gratitude for the honor, reflecting on his long-standing ties to Bacolod. He praised the city’s inclusive, vibrant community and emphasized the strong relationship between Bacolod and its Filipino-Chinese population, which has been a driving force behind SM’s investments in the city for nearly two decades.
After his conferment, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez warmly welcomed Sy and his children, Harvey and Hanna Carinna in the Mayor’s Office where he sat down as an official Honorary Mayor.
Honorary Mayor Hans Sy takes over the official city executive’s seat, with his children Harvey and Hanna Carinna (2nd and 3rd from left) standing alongside Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez.
