It is June 18.

A representative from the National Historical Commission confirmed that Bacolod City was created on June 18, based on Commonwealth Act 326 or the Charter of Bacolod City.

During a public hearing conducted yesterday at the Bacolod City Government Center, Peter Jaynul Uckung, an official representative from the NHC, said October 19, was actually the date of the inauguration of Mayor Alfredo Montelibano Sr.

Uckung was responding to a question from Councilor Caesar Distrito about when exactly Bacolod was created.

Uckung said Montelibano’s inauguration was initially planned to be held on September 30, 1938 but because it rained hard at that time, it was moved to October 12 and then again to October 19.

He said Proclamation No. 322, issued by Pres. Manuel Quezon, was very clear that the inauguration was supposed to be held in September 30, 1938 but was postponed and actually held on October 19.

Distrito, author of the Charter Day ordinance, yesterday said that it is now clear that Bacolod City was really created on June 18, 1938, as stated in Commonwealth Act 326.

He said a certification from the House of Representatives also stated that the law creating Bacolod City was signed and approved on June 18, 1938.

Councilor Em Ang, co-author of the ordinance, said that while it is clear that the date of creation of Bacolod is June 18, there is a conflicting issue in the ordinance. She said Republic Act 7724, which declares October 19 as a special non-working holiday in the Bacolod City, should also be clarified.

City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan said during the public hearing that, based on the provisions of the law, June 18, 1938 was the date that the City of Bacolod was created and October 19, 1938 the date that the City Government of Bacolod was inaugurated.

Distrito said it is now clear, based on the statements of the National Historical Commission and the City Legal Officer, that June 18, 1938 was the date that the City of Bacolod was created and that October 19 was the date that the City Government of Bacolod was formed.

Also present during the public hearing were City Tourism Officer Imogene Kana-an, Public Information Officer Rodel Parcon, Ma. Theresa Depra from the Department of Interior and Local Government-Bacolod, Allyn Luv Dignadice from the City Administrator’s Office and barangay captains and representatives from the different barangays of the city.*CGS

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