Bacolod SMILCE Officers Inducted: New Era of Private Sector Collaboration
Bacolod SMILCE brings together private organizations from the tourism, hospitality, travel, events, accommodation, creative, and related sectors under one unified vision: to position Bacolod as the preferred SMILCE destination through integrated end-to-end solutions.
The officers of the newly formed Bacolod SMILCE were formally inducted during the Bacolod MICE Summit 2026, marking the beginning of a new private-sector initiative aimed at strengthening Bacolod’s position as a preferred destination for Sports, Meetings, Incentives, Leisure, Conventions, and Exhibitions.
What is Bacolod SMILCE?
Bacolod SMILCE brings together private organizations from the tourism, hospitality, travel, events, accommodation, creative, and related sectors under one unified vision: to position Bacolod as the preferred SMILCE destination through integrated end-to-end solutions.
Its vision is “To be a globally recognized SMILCE destination driven by excellence and sustainability,” with a mission to unite the SMILCE industry, create economic opportunities, and elevate Bacolod as a destination.
The new organization was formally introduced and its officers inducted as part of the Bacolod MICE Summit 2026, themed “Building Connections, Creating Opportunities: Strengthening Bacolod’s MICE Future.” The summit brought together government and private-sector stakeholders to explore opportunities for making Bacolod a more competitive MICE destination.
Guest Speakers
Among the key discussions were “Building the Iloilo MICE Alliance,” presented by Natalie Lim, Chairperson of the Iloilo MICE Alliance and General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo; “MICE to Meet the Future: Building Competitive Destinations,” with Lovelie D. Caridad, General Manager of Moonton Expo, Megaworld Corporation; and “Positioning Bacolod City as a Competitive MICE Destination: Opportunities and Strategic Directions for Growth,” presented by Crisanta Marlene R. Rodriguez, Regional Director, Western Visayas/NIR, Department of Tourism.
The summit also featured an open forum and networking lunch, followed by a fireside chat on “What Event Organizers Need from a Destination,” with representatives from hotels, event organizers, airlines, convention organizers, and other industry sectors sharing their perspectives.
The program also included messages from Chief Tourism Operations Officer Ma. Teresa Q. Manalili, Vice Mayor Hon. Claudio Jesus Raymundo Puentevella, SP Committee Chairperson on Tourism Hon. Jason Isidro S. Villarosa, and City Mayor Hon. Greg G. Gasataya.
The afternoon sessions focused on moving from discussion to action, with the presentation of the Bacolod MICE Alliance Framework, covering its vision, mission, membership structure, and programs. This was followed by the adoption of the Board of Directors, oath-taking, and the signing of a Commitment Wall, where stakeholders pledged to help build Bacolod as a leading MICE destination.
Bacolod SMILCE Officers
- President: John Go of Roy’s Hotel and Convention
- Vice President: Jojo Vito of Jojo Vito Designs Gallery – Bacolod
- Secretary: Virna Tan of the Association of Tour Guides of Negros Occidental (ATON)
- Treasurer: Atty. Pinky Mirano of PMO Events (represented by Citoy Tano)
- Auditor: Zadhea Solinap of The Prod Team (represented by Jason Tan)
- Public Information Officer: Femmy Lee Magbanua of Merzci
Board of Directors
- Johanna Taño of Psalm 91 Event Management Services
- Greg Flores of Filipiniana Tours and Travel
- Carlo Sto. Tomas of the Negros Island Travel Agencies and Tour Operators Association Inc.
- Edelyn Yap of the Mabuhay Accommodation Alliance of Bacolod City
As a new private-sector organization, Bacolod SMILCE seeks to turn the city’s diverse industry strengths into a more connected and compelling destination offering. By encouraging collaboration among businesses and organizations, it can help develop integrated experiences, partnerships, event solutions, and opportunities that benefit the wider local economy.
The formation of Bacolod SMILCE signals a new spirit of private-sector collaboration—one that looks beyond individual businesses and toward Bacolod as one destination with one shared ambition: to welcome more people, attract more opportunities, and compete more confidently on the global stage.
