Patronize is a transitive verb meaning to favor or support; in this case, a shop, restaurant, or department store.

In an effort to maintain a growing economy, Bacolod City always welcomes new investors, especially when competition between other localities is so stiff. However, the sad reality is homegrown businesses cannot compete with giants from Metro Manila and their survival has become a major predicament – their survival depends on locals patronizing their business.

Bacolodnons must consider the issues faced by homegrown businesses, who believed in investing in Bacolod City before those from outside the city.

Consumer goods, farm produce, and other local items can be found at wet markets and should be supported over supermarkets and hypermarts. Local producers are trying to earn a living by offering organic vegetables, while supermarkets and hypermarts are merely adding to their empire.

Do not be enticed by air-conditioned markets; local businesses will meet their demise if the public continues to opt for the big malls.

As a Bacoleño, patronizing our own is an indication of the “Bayanihan spirit.” Local businessmen employ local workers, which can cultivate a sense of community and enhance the “local business” brand.

One local department store, with branches across Negros, gives workers the opportunity to become regular employees (unlike the typical contractual department store worker whose employment status is in limbo every five months). These employment practices should be emulated. Employees at big malls are typically hired on a contractual basis – employment is being outsourced in order to avoid offering the benefits regular employees are entitled to and it is anti-labor./WDJ