Benitez Vows to Champion Bacolod Progress in Congress

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez outlined his legislative priorities as he prepares to represent Bacolod in Congress.

He committed to championing eight initiatives focused on education, infrastructure, public safety, digital governance and climate resilience.

Benitez pledged to expand skills training through Bacolod City College, promote data-driven traffic legislation, pursue long-term flood prevention, improve LGU waste management, increase funding for anti-drug programs, enhance power and water regulatory oversight, push nationwide adoption of Bacolod’s health program, and digitalize LGU services nationwide.

“These are the causes I will fight for—not just as your congressman, but as a fellow Bacolodnon who believes in our continued progress,” he said during his third and final State of the City Address, delivered Wednesday at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.

Digital Governance and Infrastructure

Benitez highlighted the shift to digital services like QR codes and digital IDs, which improved efficiency and reduced fraud.

“A Super City is not afraid of technology, as it should embrace modernization for efficient and quality governance,” he said, expressing hope that sectoral IDs would inspire a formal Bacolod City ID.

He also pointed to infrastructure gains, including road upgrades, flood control, and the removal of 70 tons of tangled wires, credited for zero fire incidents this year.

Benitez said the city is nearing its goal of safe, durable roads and vowed to secure congressional funding for a citywide rollout.

Public Safety and Urban Development

Benitez cited upcoming projects such as a centralized command center, solar-powered streetlights, and upgrading the Bacolod City Police Office to Type A for expanded facilities and faster emergency response.

“We will have access to real-time information and immediate response from police, rescuers and agencies,” he said, vowing support in Congress to realize this plan.

Illegal Drugs and Public Health

He praised Bacolod’s Anti-Drug Abuse Council for its high functionality rating, the opening of the Balay Silangan reformation center, and the clearing of 22 of 61 barangays of drug activity.

“When the buying stops, the selling stops,” he said, pledging to advance national education, prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

Benitez touted the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program, which has 91,000 cardholders and nearly PHP200 million in aid disbursed through partnerships with seven hospitals and pharmacies.

“No Bacolodnon should be denied hospital care regardless of status in life,” he said, vowing to push for its nationwide implementation.

Climate and Waste Management

Waste diversion rose to 92.6 percent from 75 percent under his term, as renewable energy and green transport pushed his vision of a climate-resilient Bacolod.

“The dream was not to make Bacolod simply green. We want to make Bacolod climate-resilient,” he said.

Commitment to Progress

With more than 400 infrastructure projects initiated—including the MassKara Coliseum, a new hospital and a command center—Benitez promised to seek funding and legislative support for their completion.

He pledged continued support for incoming Mayor Greg Gasataya.

“Having set our foundation and formulated the blueprint, we are now building Bacolod’s future as a Super City: inclusive, progressive and quality of life,” he said.

“As I take on a new role, I carry the same commitment to push for real, lasting change,” he added.

“Where Bacolod leads, I will follow. Where Bacolod needs, I will speak and advocate.”

Benitez thanked Bacolodnons and vowed to continue his service in Congress.

“While I may no longer lead Bacolod from the Government Center, I will continue going the extra mile—this time, only on the national stage as your congressman,” he said.

Among the officials in attendance were Kabankalan Mayor Benjie Miranda and Vice Mayor-elect Divine Miranda; Mayor Marvin Malacon; Silay Mayor Joedith Gallego; Valladolid Mayor Enrique Miravalles; and La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, as well as representatives from the business sector.