Benitez to Deliver Final SOCA on June 25

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez will deliver his third and final State of the City Address on Wednesday, June 25, at the Bacolod City Government Center, just five days before his term officially ends on June 30.

Benitez will assume office as the new representative of Bacolod’s lone district after winning in the May 12 midterm elections.

He swapped posts with outgoing Congressman Greg Gasataya, who will officially take over as mayor on July 1.

“As I conclude this chapter, I’m excited for the city’s future and the vision that will continue to guide us,” Benitez said in a Facebook post.

“Bacolod’s story is one of resilience, reimagination, and progress,” he added.

Last week, the Local Governance Transition Team held a turnover ceremony at the City Mayor’s Office, marking the formal handover of documents and responsibilities to the incoming administration.

The event followed the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s guidelines to ensure a smooth and transparent transition.

Benitez said the official turnover ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 28.

Earlier this month, he convened all department heads to review his administration’s major projects from the past three years and discuss programs set for continuation.

“I think we have been very open on the programs and policies set by this administration,” he said.

“It’s very clear that when we campaign, it is on a platform of continuity, and that will prevail.”

Benitez said his SOCA will highlight completed projects, ongoing initiatives, and programs to be continued, upgraded, or enhanced by the incoming leadership.

“I thank the City of Bacolod and the Bacolodnons for believing in the programs that we have set forth,” he added.