The Bacolod History Photo Exhibit opened at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) over the weekend, with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jesus Hinlo, Jr. opening the rites.
“We are remembering today the history of Bacolod City,” he said. “Never forget history because that’s the thing that shaped us right now.”
Hinlo noted some of the things the city is known for, such as the annual MassKara Festival and chicken inasal, and encouraged local officials and residents to be proactive in moving the city forward.
“How would you want Bacolod City, its officials and its people, to be remembered in history?” he asked. “Despite the accolades the city has earned, we should shape the future history of our city to one that is free from too much politicking, poverty, an informal settler problem, unemployment, drugs, and criminality.”
“We should strive to further improve our local economy and to have urban planning to improve the lives of our residents,” the DILG official added. “We dream to make our poor become middle-class.”
The exhibit, which runs until June 18, showcases 50 black and white photos that document the development of Bacolod City.
Meanwhile, historian Modesto Sa-onoy said organizers are looking to make the display a traveling exhibit, to be brought into schools to educate young people about the city’s history.
Also in attendance were Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran; City Councilors Cindy Rojas and Em Ang; City Administrator John Orola; and Mark Steven Mayo, who represented Rep. Greg Gasataya./WDJ