Bacolod City is currently taking a giant stride toward economic empowerment by bridging the gap between traditional education and high-demand tech roles. On May 4, 2026, the city government launched the "Elevate Aida" program, a strategic initiative designed to train 20 local women in virtual assistance, AI integration, and data annotation. This program, part of the broader "Pag-eskwela to Pagtrabaho" (P2P) roadmap, specifically targets single mothers and job seekers from various barangays, providing them with a ₱5,000 stipend and guaranteed job placement support. For the city, this move represents a long-term commitment to building a resilient, tech-savvy workforce that can thrive in the global digital economy.
Modernizing the City’s Economic Guardrails
The training sessions, held daily at the Bacolod City Government Center, are designed to move participants into stable, high-paying livelihoods through direct partnership with the private sector. Mayor Greg Gasataya emphasized on May 6 that the success of the program will be measured not just by completion certificates, but by the number of graduates who transition into full-time employment. By focusing on niche skills like AI data annotation, the city is positioning its marginalized sectors at the forefront of the 2026 tech boom. It is a quiet but powerful statement of intent, proving that Bacolod is investing in a technologically responsible and inclusive future for its residents.
A Heritage Walk Amidst Urban Growth
While the city invests in digital technology, it is simultaneously celebrating its cultural roots through the Capitol Culture Hub Guided Walking Tour, launched this week for National Heritage Month. On May 6, tourism officials opened the historic Provincial Capitol building and Lagoon to the public, providing a narrated journey through Juan Arellano’s iconic Greco-Roman architecture. This balance of digital upskilling and heritage preservation is attracting a new demographic of visitors who seek cities that respect their past while innovating for the future. It provides a unique lifestyle where one can witness the city’s history in the morning and its technological evolution in the afternoon.
Powering the Next Wave of Sports Tourism
The timing of these human capital investments is critical as Bacolod gears up to host a series of major athletic events, including the National PRISAA Games. The influx of over 12,000 delegates this May is putting a spotlight on the city's capacity for large-scale logistics and community hospitality. The "Elevate Aida" graduates are expected to form part of a new, digitally-ready support layer for the city’s growing tourism and service sectors. This holistic growth—spanning digital education, cultural heritage, and sports tourism—is positioning Bacolod as a primary destination for both ethical travel and corporate investment in the Western Visayas.
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