BACOLOD City – Business tycoon Henry Sy Sr. will be recognized as an “adopted son” of this city.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod to hold a special session at 2 p.m. on Saturday for the conferment.

Leonardia said the recognition of Sy’s contribution to the Filipino-Chinese community and this city is part of the Bacolaodiat Festival, the local Chinese New Year celebration.

Sy will also be awarded the title “Honorary Mayor of Bacolod City,” said Leonardia.

Son Hans Sy will receive the recognitions on his father’s behalf, said Bacolaodiat Festival chairperson Jennifer Gochangco-Ong.

Bacolaodiat will be held from Jan. 27 to 29.

The festival will let the locals experience “traditional Chinese culture,” Ong had said.

It will feature “fascinating lights, noisy firecrackers, exciting cuisine, and colorful costumes,” as Bacolod greets the Year of the Rooster.

Upcoming activities include, lantern dance competition, traditional Chinese and modern dances using lighted lanterns, a nightly “Symphony of Lights and Sounds,” lion and dragon dances, cultural shows by Chinese schools, “corporate nights” hosted by festival sponsors, and Chinese lanterns display.

REROUTING

A portion of the North Capitol Road had been closed starting Monday for its development as the main festival site.

Vehicles passing through the area were rerouted.

Public utility vehicles from south passing through Gatuslao Street shall turn right to North Capitol Road, turn left to Aguinaldo Street, turn right to 12th Street, and turn left to Lacson Street, all the way to their point of destination.

Those from north passing through Lacson Street shall turn right to 12th Street, turn left to Aguinaldo Street, turn right to North Capitol Road, and turn left to Gatuslao Street, all the way to their point of destination.

Additional rerouting will be in place from Jan. 27 to 29./PN