Business tycoon Hans Sy, chairperson of SM Prime Holdings Inc., was officially declared an adopted son and honorary mayor of Bacolod City during the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival, one of the country’s biggest Chinese New Year celebrations.
Sy, accompanied by his children Harvey and Hanna Carinna, received a copy of the resolution on his conferment from Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran during the City Council’s regular session yesterday afternoon.
“I am deeply humbled to be conferred the titles of adopted son of Bacolod and honorary mayor of this beautiful city during the celebration of the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival,” he said in his message.
The tycoon said Bacolod is a city with a deep sense of community and enduring partnership with its Filipino-Chinese community, the reason why “for 18 years since 2007, SM has invested in this city that celebrates diversity and progress, which makes for today’s vibrant and revitalized Bacolod City.”
He also reflected on the legacy of his late father, Henry Sy Sr., who was similarly honored in 2017.
“He believed in inclusivity, what is right and the transformative power of working together towards the goal of a better tomorrow, no matter how hard or unpopular the road we take may seem — and these principles continue to guide me in all I do,” he added.
Sy said it is with such spirit that he has worked to support Bacolod’s growth, not just through business but also by contributing to programs that uplift the lives of its people through education, tourism, job generation and his personal advocacy, sustainability and disaster prevention.
At the City Mayor’s Office, Sy was welcomed by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who said he is grateful for the expertise and insights he can share to the city as its honorary mayor.
In a unanimous resolution, the City Council said that Sy “made exceptional contributions to economic development, business leadership, and philanthropy, serving as an enduring role model for community progress and innovation”.
“His leadership has not only driven growth in business and investment in Bacolod City, but has also reflected a profound commitment to social responsibility, family values, and civic engagement that resonate deeply with the ideals of our Chinese brethren,” it further said. (PNA)