• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Outgoing Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez will deliver his last State of the City Address (SOCA), while Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran is set to turn over the gavel as presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod to incoming VM Claudio Jesus “Kalaw” Puentevella in ceremonies at the Government Center on June 25.
Familiaran and councilors Renecito Novero, Cindy Rojas, Simplicia Distrito, and Vladimir Gonzalez will also receive their respective plaques of recognition during the 156th and last regular session of the 11th Council prior to the SOCA, following the resolutions of commendation, all authored by Councilor Em Ang and approved by the SP June 17.
The sanggunian expressed “sincerest appreciation and recognition” to Familiaran for his outstanding and dedicated service as vice mayor of Bacolod for three consecutive terms, from 2016 to 2025.
“Familiaran has faithfully served the SP for three full terms, dedicating his time, expertise, and tireless efforts to the betterment of our city,” the resolution stressed, adding he is the only Bacolod vice mayor to serve three consecutive terms, or nine years.
“His departure from office marks the end of an era, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod takes this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for his invaluable contributions to our city’s development,” the resolution said.
“His leadership, guidance, and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in shaping policies and programs that have fostered growth, development, and unity within our city. Familiaran’s dedication and passion for public service have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, city officials, and the citizens he has served,” it added.
Novero and Rojas were also commended for serving the SP for three full terms, or from 2016 through 2025.
“Novero was primarily responsible for passing and implementing various local legislations which allowed Bacolod to become among the most competitive cities in the country,” the resolution said. “His dedication, leadership, and commitment to public service have significantly contributed to the city’s progress…(and) the SP wishes to express its sincere appreciation and gratitude for his selfless commitment to public service.”
Rojas, on the other hand, has “demonstrated unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of Bacolod…championing initiatives that have significantly improved the lives of our constituents.”
Distrito has selflessly served Bacolod with unwavering dedication and commitment, from 2019 to 2025, the SP noted. “(Her) career in public service began as kagawad of Barangay Singcang-Airport, and she ran on the advocacy of empowering and supporting mothers by providing job opportunities and financial aid. Her tireless advocacy for the welfare of the community has left an indelible mark on the city’s progress and development.”
Gonzalez, meanwhile, “has selflessly served the people of Bacolod with unwavering dedication and commitment, from 2022 to 2025. His exemplary leadership and tireless advocacy for the welfare of the community have left an indelible mark on the city’s progress and development,” the resolution said.
Benitez, who is the incoming congressman of the city’s Lone District, is expected to outline the gains made in his three-year stint as mayor, particularly on his flagship BacCHP, eradicating corruption, efficient service delivery, and various infrastructure projects, among others, all geared towards transforming the highly-urbanized Bacolod into a super city.
In his SOCA last year, Benitez said: “In just two years, we already have proof of concept. We already laid down the groundwork. We have planted the seeds. The state of the city is stronger than ever. But we need to sustain our momentum. Together, let us finish the job…(and) fulfill the dream for Bacolod to become a Super City”. | CGC
