Small Sign, Big Impact: The Sustainability Revolution

It was merely a simple tarpaulin by the lobby of the Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod. It was a rather humble splash of inspirational images and attractive graphics with a brief list of collaborative sustainability efforts: Plastic-free future, food waste to fertilizer, and the over-preached, yet minimum-in-implementation the supposed-to-be usual “going green” fare, such as tree planting.

But from where I patiently stood, as time went on, the signage was totally overlooked, not even a cursory glance from most guests and visitors.

In fact, at first glance, it felt like an obligatory poster — some teasingly say “for compliance only” — which all hotels and resorts, meetings and conferences venues, and exhibition halls seem to have these days. But still, there was a nagging feeling, that I just had to immerse a little bit more. With unanswered queries in mind, curiosity got the best of me. For starters, what do they truly mean by circular sustainability? Was this just another marketing buzzword? I had more questions than answers. Without delay, I sought the counsel of the property’s officials.

What I expected to be a quick and matter-of-factly conversation, turned into a pleasant, educational sit-down conversation when the narrative began to unfold. Sherwin Lucas, the newly appointed area general manager for Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and Iloilo, went step by step, one project after the other, programs ran side by side, shoulder to shoulder, complete in absolute harmony like one orchestra in united symphony.

Backed by Myka Pahilanga, cluster marketing communications manager, Lucas outlined how this upper-midscale hotel is making meaningful changes.

With 114 Superior Rooms, 28 Deluxe Rooms, and eight Junior Suites, the Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod offers amenities such as the restaurants and bars, function rooms, the Marapara Pool Deck, a 24/7 fitness center, and an art gallery. But with the sleek and so-very-today color design is the team of impeccably-trained, service-in-their-DNA officers and staff, with a deep commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

I was genuinely awed by what I learned.

Circular economy in motion

Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod has implemented Bokashi composting, a process which converts food waste from its restaurants and bars, and various official events and milestone affairs into organic fertilizer. The compost is donated to the Negros Economic Development Foundation Farm, which in turn supplies vegetables and crops back to the hotel’s kitchen. It has come full circle. Waste becomes nourishment, and nourishment returns to the plate.

But it doesn’t stop there. A more recent effort, Tela Tales, adds a cultural and creative layer to their sustainability roadmap. The program, in partnership with Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC), upcycles discarded hotel linens and even empty Nespresso pods and magically transforms them into decorative Christmas ornaments, cherished and loved around the globe.

The next phase? Stuffed toys crafted by a community in Barangay Felisa, offered as VIP room amenities and promoted and marketed as desirable souvenirs.

Rooted in the local soil

Aptly named Roots for Tomorrow, every year, at its most ideal season, the property’s several departments plant trees and mangroves, and more importantly, they periodically return to monitor their growth. Hotel guests are even encouraged to take home a small potted herb from the Gift Corner, a subtle nudge toward green living.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s Plastic-Free Future initiative has already taken tangible shape. In guest rooms, most-welcome dispensers have replaced single-use toiletry tubes. Bottled water is out, replaced by glass carafes. UV-filtered dispensers are available on each floor. Even in their bars and restaurants, plastic straws, stirrers, and boxes have found their way out.

Compassion beyond comfort

Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod also extends its impact through Compassion in Action, to include donating much-needed school supplies and providing water for the communities.

A recent partnership with the Bacolod City Planning and Green Solutions introduced a bio-waste conversion project. Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod donated 1,500 liters of used oil, which yielded 800 liters of biodiesel. Similarly in May 2025, the hotel donated 400 liters to the fishing community of Barangay Punta Taytay. Each beneficiary took home 20 liters, the equivalent of two to three weeks’ worth of fuel. The result? An income boost while giving new life to discarded waste.

It is with all these thrusts that for two years running, the hotel has been verified with Sustainability Basics under the lauded and well-respected World Travel and Tourism Council. This certifies that Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod meets the stringent standards in areas such as carbon reduction, conservation and community support.

I have since come to realize that the sole tarpaulin in the lobby was no mere token. Though austere and quiet in its placement, it served as a reminder that real change doesn’t need to shout to be heard — sometimes, all it takes is a glance to uncover a story

worth telling.

¡Enhorabuena, Officers and staff of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod!