Bacolod City (Negros Occidental)

The City of Bacolod is located at the northern part of Negros Occidental, northwest of Negros Oriental and southeastern part of the province of Iloilo.

It is the capital city and entry point to the province of Negros Occidental.

Aside from having culture and history, Bacolod City has excellent convention facilities making it a convention destination.

Bacolod aims to increase the visitor arrivals by at least 20% annually by positioning Bacolods as the convention city of Western Visayas and a premiere destination for tourism-related sports and special interest/leisure activities.

The city also applies marketing strategies to generate more investments to create more tourism related jobs.

The city government wants to achieve and maintain high quality standards and services for the convenience and satisfaction of visitors and tourists that are visiting the city and the province.

Since Bacolod city and other towns in Negros Occidental have rich historical and cultural attractions, the city also spearheads the development of art and culture to preserve its cultural legacy. It also organizes advocacy programs for environmental awareness and basic value orientation for ecotourism and sustainable programs.

The required infrastructure facilities are :

Establishment and upgrading of existing communication facilities
Establishment of a tourism information counters at entry ports
Maintenance of road network
Completion of the Bacolod Airport of international standard
Provision and maintenance of tourism transport facilities

The Bacolod City Investment Code of 2002, among others, states that investors enjoying incentives under E.O. 226, RA 7844, RA 7916, RA 7718 and RA 8289, shall be exempted from the following:

Payment of building fees, business fees, business sales taxes and other fees and charges imposed by existing City Ordinance.

The exemption for business fees, sales taxes and other fees shall be for a minimum period of five (5) years from the date of approved by the Board

Payment of basic real property tax imposed by existing City Ordinance on improvements, but only for improvements introduced by the investor.

In the case of an already existing improvement, the exemption shall apply only to the increase in the assessment because of rehabilitation, adoption, expansion, or introduction of equipment/machineries. The exemption shall be maximum period of five (5) years from the date of approval by the Board.

Bacolod may be accessible by land sea and air:

By Air- Bacolod can be accessed by three major airline companies (Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines) that also run connecting flights to various parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

By Sea- Two major sea vessels, the WG & A from Superferry and Negros Navigation Co., ply the route from Manila to Bacolod as well 5 minor commercial vessels that connect it to the rest of the Visayas and Mindanao.

By Land- Buses, taxis, jeepneys and tricycles are the main mode of transport within the city. However, buses provide regular trips from Bacolod and other towns. Centers to the rest of the surrounding provinces. (wow philippines)