Bacolod City 87th Charter Day: Celebrating Outstanding Citizens

Bacolod City 87th Charter Day | Calvary Home in Barangay Handumanan, founded by Pastor Joe and Billie Rosmarino, as one of the 2025 “Be the Change” awardees.

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Bacolod City Honors Outstanding Citizens and Institutions on 87th Charter Day

At the heart of Bacolod City’s 87th Charter Day Anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder of what makes a community truly thrive: its people. The city took a moment to shine a spotlight on those who, through passion, dedication, and selfless service, have made a real difference in the lives of their fellow Bacolodnons. Central to this celebration was the presentation of the prestigious Be The Change Award, given to individuals and organizations whose inspiring efforts have sparked meaningful transformation in the community.

Russel Gorre, a public school research teacher at Negros Occidental High School, is one of the recipients of the 2025 “Be the Change” award from the City of Bacolod.

This year’s Be The Change Awardees:

Calvary Home (Pastor Joe and Billie Rosmarino),
Russel Gorre
Julius Lorca
Handom Organization (Daniella Loboriante, Mariella Ferraris, and Thaddeus Dy)

These awardees represent the very essence of leadership grounded in compassion and action. Their stories remind us that change begins with a single step, a single heart committed to making things better for others.

Recognizing outstanding personalities and organizations is more than just an annual tradition for Bacolod City—it is a vital celebration of hope, resilience, and shared progress. These awards serve as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging every citizen to contribute their unique gifts toward building a stronger, kinder, and more inclusive community. They remind us that behind every achievement is a human story of perseverance, courage, and love for the city we call home.

The Artistry Behind the Award

Adding a special layer of meaning to the Be The Change Award is its beautifully crafted trophy, designed by the talented artisans at Jojo Vito Designs Gallery. This local Bacolod studio is renowned for creating pieces that blend cultural heritage with modern artistry. The trophy’s intricate design symbolizes the spirit of Bacolod—resilient, vibrant, and full of life. More than just a token of recognition, it is a piece of art that carries the heart of the city and the stories of its people.

Honoring Excellence Across the City | Bacolod City 87th Charter Day

The celebration also recognized other remarkable contributors to Bacolod’s growth and well-being:

The Ang Banwahanon Award was given to Charlie S. Co and Ian Fred Solas for their outstanding service and dedication.
The Mayor’s Citation Award honored Citadines Bacolod, The Father’s Love Ministry, The Monday Group, and Bach Project Ph for their impactful community initiatives.
Top taxpayers, both individuals and corporations, were acknowledged for their essential role in supporting the city’s development.
The Outstanding Employees 2025 award celebrated the commitment and hard work of city employees Lordielyn Joy Pereyra, Manuelito Calaguing, and Dondon Parandas.

The awarding ceremony was graced by Negros Occidental Governor Bong Lacson, Mayor-elect Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor-elect Kalaw Puentevella, and city councilors, reflecting the city government’s deep appreciation for those who dedicate themselves to Bacolod’s progress.

Handom Organization, led by Daniella Laboriante, Mariella Ferraris, and Thaddeus Dy, is one of the recipients of the 2025 “Be the Change” award given by the City of Bacolod.

Bacolod City 87th Charter Day: A Community United by Purpose

Bacolod’s 87th Charter Day was more than a celebration—it was a heartfelt tribute to the people who make the city a better place every day. By honoring these changemakers, Bacolod not only acknowledges their achievements but also inspires a collective commitment to continue building a community rooted in kindness, integrity, and shared responsibility.

In recognizing the outstanding, Bacolod affirms a simple truth: it is through the courage and compassion of its people that a city truly flourishes. And with every award given, the city’s story of hope and progress grows stronger.