Bacolod: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has registered 24,993 corporations and partnerships in Negros Island Region (NIR), 53 percent of which have principal offices based in this highly-urbanized city as of Dec. 31, 2024.

According to Philippines News Agency, data from the SEC Bacolod Extension Office revealed there are 13,239 registered corporations and partnerships in Bacolod City, comprising 9,385 stock corporations, 3,026 non-stock corporations, and 828 partnerships. The SEC report indicated a steady year-on-year increase in the number of requests for registration of new corporations and partnerships in the city. In 2020, there were 92 new registrations; this number rose to 401 in 2021, 467 in 2022, 566 in 2023, and 582 in 2024.

Director III Annabelle Corral-Respall of the SEC Bacolod Extension Office noted that the top industries for newly-registered corporations in the city include retail, real estate, wholesale, construction, and restaurants and mobile services. The SEC acknowledged the city government’s support through the Sectoral Affairs Office in advancing its strategic initiatives.

During a ceremony at the Bacolod City Government Center on Monday, the SEC presented a plaque of recognition to Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez. The plaque cited “the city’s dedication in fostering transparency, enhancing the Philippine capital markets, and driving sustainable growth.”

Meanwhile, the SEC data also showed that 20,304 corporations and partnerships have been listed in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, while 4,431 are in Negros Oriental. In Siquijor, there are 258 registered corporations.