Bacolod Mayor Backs Unified Governance at Council Session

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya stressed the importance of unified governance during the inaugural session of the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod on Wednesday afternoon.

In a courtesy visit, Gasataya addressed the city council, headed by Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella as presiding officer.

He pledged the administration’s full support for the legislative body.

“My commitment to each and every one of you is clear. We are offering true partnership to the legislative branch,” Gasataya said.

He added that he has directed all departments, executive assistants and the entire executive branch to support the City Council’s legislative work.

“No ifs, no buts. Let’s help them so they can deliver the best policies for the people of Bacolod,” he said.

The council officially opened its first regular session on July 2 at the SP Session Hall.

Vice Mayor Puentevella and 11 council members belong to the Asenso Team led by Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez.

Only Councilor Wilson Gamboa from the opposition won a seat, defeating reelectionist Councilor Vladi Gonzales.

The highlight of the session was the formal nomination and designation of committee chairpersons.

The newly assigned committee heads are:

Agriculture and Agrarian Concerns – Jude Thaddeus Sayson

Appropriation and Finance – Jude Thaddeus Sayson

Barangay Affairs – Lady Gles Gonzales Pallen

Cooperatives and Livelihood Programs – Jude Thaddeus Sayson

Education – Al Victor Espino

Energy and Public Utilities – Roberto Rojas

Environment and Ecology – Homer Bais

Fire and Disaster Management – Psyche Marie Sy

Government Assets – Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito

Health and Sanitation – Em L. Ang

Culture and Arts – Em L. Ang

Human Resource and Development – Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito

Human Rights – Wilson C. Gamboa

Information and Communication Technology – Jason Isidro Villarosa

Labor, Management Relations and Overseas Workers – Israel Salanga

Laws, Ordinances and Good Governance – Al Espino

Market – Celia Matea L. Flor

Public Works and General Services – Psyche Marie Sy

Senior Citizens – Celia Matea L. Flor

Social Services and Development – Israel Salanga

Tourism and Local, National and International Cooperation – Jason Isidro Villarosa

Trade, Commerce and Industry – Roberto Rojas

Transportation and Traffic – Atty. Dindo C. Ramos

Urban Planning, Development and Basic Facilities – Al Espino

Urban Poor, Housing and Resettlement – Atty. Dindo C. Ramos

Ways and Means – Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito

Women, Gender, and Family and Childcare – Celia Matea L. Flor

Youth, SK Affairs and Sports Development – Danna Marie Barzo

Legislative/Executive Conference Liaison – Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Raymundo Puentevella

Persons with Disability Affairs – Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito

Veterans and History – Wilson Gamboa

Police, Security and Jail – Psyche Marie Sy

Slaughterhouse/Veterinary Services – Homer Bais