Leonardia seeks reelection

MANILA, Philippines — Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia vowed to bring the city to greater economic heights as he announced his reelection bid last week.

Leonardia on Wednesday filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the 2022 national and local elections, along with his running mates in the Grupo Progreso (GP), which he founded in 2007.

“We have the track record to prove what we’ve done for Bacolod before the pandemic. We will do it again,” Leonardia said before filing his COC.

The mayor cited the rapid economic progress in Bacolod, which he attributed to the city’s “business-friendly climate,” as proof of his administration’s competence.

Under Leonardia’s term, the Department of the Interior and Local Government rated Bacolod as best performing local government unit in Western Visayas.

Bacolod was also cited as the most competitive city in the Visayas by the Department of Trade and Industry.

“Before the COVID pandemic, Bacolod was among the fastest growing economies in the country. It had its fastest growth rate ever as shown by facts and figures. We even have a record high of 25,637 business registrations in 2019,” said Leonardia, who is also president of the League of Cities of the Philippines.

The mayor said a reelection, together with his running mates in the GP, would allow him and the others to continue what they have started to sustain Bacolod’s progress.

Notably, Bacolod’s robust economy went full swing beginning 2004 onwards with Leonardia at the helm of the LGU as SM City, 888, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, City Malls and Vista Mall, among others, opened.

Among the big players that have started multi-billion investments on condominiums, malls, subdivisions, hotels and other real estate ventures are Megaworld, Vista Land, Rockwell, Robinsons, Cebu Landmasters, SM Prime, Ayala Land, Citadines, Seda and Park Inn.

“All these are sure signs of investors’ confidence and a positive economic dynamism, “ Leonardia pointed out.