Bacolod SMILCE officers were formally inducted during the Bacolod MICE Summit 2026, marking a new private-sector initiative to strengthen Bacolod’s position as a preferred destination for Sports, Meetings, Incentives, Leisure, Conventions, and Exhibitions.
Bacolod SMILCE brings together private organizations from the tourism, hospitality, travel, events, accommodation, creative, and related sectors. Together, they share one 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,” while its mission is to unite the SMILCE industry, create economic opportunities, and elevate Bacolod as a destination.
Bacolod SMILCE Officers Set a Shared Direction
The new organization was formally introduced during the Bacolod MICE Summit 2026, themed “Building Connections, Creating Opportunities: Strengthening Bacolod’s MICE Future.”
The summit brought together government and private-sector stakeholders. They explored opportunities to make Bacolod a more competitive MICE destination.
Among the key discussions was “Building the Iloilo MICE Alliance.” Natalie Lim, Chairperson of the Iloilo MICE Alliance and General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, presented the topic.
Another session was “MICE to Meet the Future: Building Competitive Destinations.” Lovelie D. Caridad, General Manager of Moonton Expo, Megaworld Corporation, led the discussion.
Meanwhile, “Positioning Bacolod City as a Competitive MICE Destination: Opportunities and Strategic Directions for Growth” was presented by Crisanta Marlene R. Rodriguez, Regional Director, Western Visayas/NIR, Department of Tourism.
The summit also featured an open forum and networking lunch. This was followed by a fireside chat on “What Event Organizers Need from a Destination.”
Representatives from hotels, event organizers, airlines, convention organizers, and other industry sectors shared their perspectives during the discussion.
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.
From Discussion to Action
The afternoon sessions focused on turning the discussions into action. The program featured the presentation of the Bacolod MICE Alliance Framework.
The framework covered its vision, mission, membership structure, and programs. This was followed by the adoption of the Board of Directors and the oath-taking.
Stakeholders also signed a Commitment Wall. Through it, they pledged to help build Bacolod as a leading MICE destination.
The Bacolod SMILCE officers will lead the new private-sector organization as it works toward greater collaboration across the industry.
Bacolod SMILCE is led by President John Go of Roy’s Hotel and Convention, with Vice President Jojo Vito of Jojo Vito Designs Gallery – Bacolod.
The officers also include Secretary Virna Tan of the Association of Tour Guides of Negros Occidental (ATON) and Treasurer Atty. Pinky Mirano of PMO Events, represented by Citoy Tano.
The organization’s Auditor is Zadhea Solinap of The Prod Team, to be represented by Jason Tan. Its Public Information Officer is Femmy Lee Magbanua of Merzci.
Its Board of Directors includes 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., and Edelyn Yap of the Mabuhay Accommodation Alliance of Bacolod City.
One Industry, One Vision, One Destination
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. It 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.
One Industry. One Vision. One Destination.
What opportunities do you think stronger private-sector collaboration could create for Bacolod?
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