Bacolod City:Bacolod Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has emphasized the importance of sustaining economic growth in Bacolod City, particularly following a 6.8 percent growth in 2025. This comes as the local government rolls out major infrastructure projects to bolster the city's economy.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bacolod City's economy expanded by 6.8 percent in 2025, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority. This growth, although slower than the 7.6 percent recorded in 2024, saw the city's gross domestic product increase from PHP157.22 billion in 2024 to PHP167.92 billion in 2025.
At a recent press conference, Benitez discussed the challenges of maintaining economic momentum in the face of global economic issues, such as the oil crisis and international turmoil. He outlined the need to insulate Bacolod from these challenges to continue its progress as one of the top-growing cities in the Visayas and the third fastest-growing economy in the Philippines.
City officials also provided updates on a significant infrastructure undertaking, the PHP2.1-billion Bacolod Super City Project, being developed under a 10-year Build-Transfer-Maintain agreement with High-Data Infra Corp. The project, initiated during Benitez's tenure as mayor, is funded through the General Fund and focuses initially on implementing e-governance to enhance local tax collection efficiency.
Additionally, during Benitez's administration, the city secured a PHP4.17 billion loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines to fund 17 priority capital and development projects. As of late September, PHP2.41 billion had been disbursed, with projects like the City Health Complex, legislative building construction, and old City Hall rehabilitation showing significant progress. These initiatives aim to stimulate Bacolod's economy and support its recovery from the pandemic.