This is the first of a multi-part special report that focuses on the growing city of Bacolod amid the apparent political excitement over the battle royale in recent years between longest-sitting Mayor Evelio Leonardia and, to some observers, his most formidable opponent to date, former Third District Cong. Alfredo Abelardo "Albee"Benitez. This face-off is the first in recent years since the city became a highly-urbanized one in 1984.

This report will focus more on the issues candidates must address as the city faces the challenges of modernity.