Gasataya Vows Clean Governance, Continuity in Bacolod City

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Incoming Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has vowed there will be no ghost employees under his administration and committed to a governance approach anchored on “Heart” during his first 100 days in office.

He said this stands for service with actionable solutions rooted in empathy, integrity and compassion.

Gasataya led the oathtaking of newly elected Bacolod City officials on Saturday at the Bacolod Government Center grounds around 6 p.m.

Also sworn in during the ceremony were Bacolod Lone District Rep. Alfredo Albee Benitez, Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla administered Gasataya’s oath, while Benitez took his oath before Barangay 18 village chief Madelene Diaz.

Benitez turned over the symbolic key to the city to Gasataya, who in turn handed Benitez the seal of Congress.

Gasataya completed three terms as city representative, while Benitez served one term as mayor before switching posts in the 2025 midterm elections and winning over their respective opponents.

Both officials will formally assume their posts on July 1, 2025.

In his inaugural speech, Gasataya said his administration will ensure all city employees are properly accounted for, continuing his predecessor’s policy against ghost employees.

He also pledged to continue the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP), a flagship initiative of their political group Asenso Bacolod led by Benitez.

Gasataya said he will push for the completion of the Bacolod City General Hospital, a key project from his term as congressman.

“It was one of our priority health programs during my term. Through this, we will soon be equipped with modern, comfortable, and uncongested healthcare facilities for Bacolodnons,” he said.

He assured that both the city government and the Department of Health will finalize the hospital’s implementing rules and regulations focused on providing free or affordable healthcare and comprehensive public health services.

Gasataya also plans to lay the groundwork for converting Bacolod City College into a university.

The city recently signed a memorandum of agreement with several BPO companies and TESDA to launch the Asenso Life Skills Academy at Bacolod City College.

“This initiative will open more employment opportunities for our young professionals. As an accredited learning center, the city will continue equipping this institution to produce globally competitive Bacolodnons,” he said.

On waste management, Gasataya noted the many complaints received about garbage collection.

He said his administration will ensure that IPM, the city’s garbage contractor, strictly complies with its obligations.

“They should shape up or ship out,” he said.

Regarding flooding, Gasataya said the City Engineer’s Office, in coordination with the DRRMO, will connect local drainage systems to the ongoing construction of the reclamation area’s diversion channel.

He added that dredging operations will begin in narrowed creeks in Barangay Mandalagan.

To improve disaster response, Gasataya said the city will implement a strategic barangay clustering system to fast-track emergency efforts.

He also vowed to activate all 101 closed-circuit cameras for better public safety monitoring.

Gasataya said he will work with the national government to include Bacolod in the DILG’s permanent core program: the 911 unified emergency system.

He also plans to establish two additional police stations—one in Barangay Sum-ag and another in Barangay Banago—through a special patent application with the DENR for a 2,000-square-meter site.

Gasataya stressed his administration’s commitment to youth development, including plans to create Bacolod’s first youth lounge and co-working space.

The center will support the emotional, mental and professional needs of young people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and students.

“We begin this journey with a clear purpose, firm resolve, and a heart full of hope,” he said.

“In 100 days, we may not accomplish everything, but we can surely prove that we are serious about change—and even more serious about our people.”