In light of the recent executive order issued by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia commencing a year-long celebration of the 80th anniversary of Bacolod City, several annual events celebrated in the city have been rebranded under the “Bacolod@80” banner.

Among the events given the added label include the Bacolod@80 Independence Day, the Bacolod@80 Rizal Day Celebration, the Bacolod@80 Diwali Festival, among others.

In addition, Semana Santa, or Holy Week, considered by the Roman Catholic Church as a tribute to the passion of Jesus Christ, also received a “Bacolod@80” moniker.

In a release from the city government, Leonardia cited June 18, 1938, the day former President Manuel Quezon signed Commonwealth Act No. 326, which established Bacolod City, as the city’s founding. However, others claim October 19, 1938, when Quezon visited Bacolod City and organized the new city government by appointing the city’s first mayor, Alfredo Montelibano, Sr., as the city’s founding date.

The mayor also noted, through the year-long celebration, he hopes residents “learn to be proud of ourselves and our city.”/PLL, WDJ