BACOLOD CITY — Robinsons Land Corporation is partnering with the Bacolod City Government to improve public spaces, strengthen tourism, and create opportunities for local communities. The collaboration marks the first local initiative under “Hand in Hand for Progress,” the company’s community development platform.
A Partnership Rooted in Bayanihan
The program brings RLC closer to local governments, businesses, institutions, and communities that contribute to shared progress. It invokes the spirit of bayanihan, the Filipino tradition of communities working together toward a common goal. This partnership builds on RLC’s longstanding presence in the city.
Robinsons Bacolod opened in 1997 and has since been joined by Cybergate Bacolod and Go Hotels Plus Bacolod. These investments reflect the company’s continued commitment to growing alongside the city. The new collaboration deepens that relationship by focusing on initiatives that benefit residents and visitors alike.
Greener Spaces and Better Mobility
Recognizing that public spaces, mobility, tourism, and livelihoods are closely connected, the partnership will consider how improvements in one area create wider benefits. Projects will focus on places where residents and visitors move through and gather. This integrated approach ensures that every intervention supports the broader urban ecosystem.
Planned improvements include greener public spaces, better-designed transport stops, and clearer wayfinding. These enhancements aim to make it safer and easier to navigate Bacolod while reaching its heritage sites, food destinations, and local businesses. The result is a more welcoming and walkable city for everyone.
Supporting Creative Bacolod
The improvements will support Creative Bacolod, the city government’s platform connecting heritage, food, culture, and artisanal communities through tourism. By making the city more accessible, the partnership helps visitors discover Bacolod’s creative offerings with greater ease.
Community-focused programs developed with local barangays complement these efforts. Tour bus and taxi drivers will receive training to communicate with visitors clearly and warmly. Senior citizens are also being invited to serve as local guides, sharing their knowledge of Bacolod’s history and culture.
These initiatives make it easier for tourists to explore the city while supporting the local businesses and cultural workers who define its character. The partnership recognizes that tourism thrives when communities are actively involved in shaping the visitor experience.
Livelihoods and Community Growth
Beyond tourism, the collaboration creates opportunities for residents to learn, earn, and contribute to the city’s growth. Planned initiatives include a job fair, livelihood programs, support for green entrepreneurship, and environmental education. These programs address immediate needs while building long-term community capacity.
School-led socio-civic activities will encourage the next generation to help care for their city. By involving young people early, the partnership nurtures a sense of ownership and responsibility. This holistic approach ensures that progress benefits every sector of Bacolod society.
A Model for Inclusive Development
The Bacolod partnership demonstrates how private developers can work hand in hand with local governments to create lasting value. By aligning corporate resources with public priorities, initiatives like this can transform urban spaces and improve quality of life. It sets a precedent for similar collaborations across the country.
As the first local initiative under “Hand in Hand for Progress,” this project signals RLC’s broader commitment to community development. The company’s track record in Bacolod provides a solid foundation for expanding the program to other cities. Residents can look forward to tangible improvements in the months ahead.
