Officers of the newly established Bacolod SMILCE were formally inducted on August 25, 2026, during the Bacolod MICE Summit 2026 held at Roy’s Hotel and Convention in Bacolod City, Philippines. The induction was conducted by Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya as part of a private-sector initiative aimed at positioning the city as a premier destination for Sports, Meetings, Incentives, Leisure, Conventions, and Exhibitions (SMILCE).
Bacolod SMILCE is led by President John Go of Roy’s Hotel and Convention. Other officers include Vice President Jojo Vito of Jojo Vito Designs Gallery, Secretary Virna Tan representing the Association of Tour Guides of Negros Occidental,
Treasurer Pinky Mirano from PMO Events, Auditor Zadhea Solinap affiliated with The Prod Team, and Public Information Officer Femmy Lee Magbanua of Merzci. The Board of Directors comprises Johanna Taño of Psalm 91 Event Management Services, Greg Flores from Filipiniana Tours and Travel, Carlo Sto. Tomas of the Negros Island Travel Agencies and Tour Operators Association Inc., and Edelyn Yap of the Mabuhay Accommodation Alliance of Bacolod City.
Bacolod SMILCE’s Vision to Strengthen the City’s Tourism Economy
The organization aims to unify stakeholders across tourism, hospitality, travel, events, accommodation, and creative sectors to drive industry collaboration. Its stated vision is to establish Bacolod as a globally recognized SMILCE destination
characterized by excellence and sustainability. This private-sector group focuses on generating economic opportunities and providing integrated end-to-end event solutions that enhance Bacolod’s competitiveness in the international tourism market.
Bacolod MICE Summit 2026 Highlights and Strategic Discussions
The Bacolod MICE Summit 2026 carried the theme “Building Connections, Creating Opportunities: Strengthening Bacolod’s MICE Future” and convened both government officials and private stakeholders. Presentations were delivered by Crisanta Marlene R. Rodriguez, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism Western Visayas/NIR; Lovelie D. Caridad, General Manager of Megaworld Corporation; and Natalie Lim, Chairperson of the Iloilo MICE Alliance. Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Raymundo Puentevella, SP Committee Chairperson on
Tourism Jason Isidro S. Villarosa, and Chief Tourism Operations Officer Ma. Teresa Q. Manalili also gave messages during the event.
The summit featured a presentation of the Bacolod MICE Alliance Framework, followed by the formal adoption of the Board of Directors, oath-taking by officers, and signing of a Commitment Wall where attendees pledged support to develop Bacolod as a leading MICE destination.
