For garnering the highest points across all categories and besting 37 contenders, Bacolod City was named the Top Philippine Model City in the 3rd The Manila Times Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities Awards held Wednesday in Malate, Manila.

The City of Smiles first won the award in 2017. In this year’s edition, the city also won the Business Friendly/High Returns Award as well as the Retirement Haven Award. Mayor Evelio Leonardia received the awards along with other officials.