• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Mayor Alfredo Benitez said he is eyeing Lacson Street “as the showcase of modern Bacolod”.
In his second State of the City Address (SOCA) earlier this evening, July 3, at the Bacolod Government Center, Benitez said his administration has engaged the services of an urban planner to craft the master plan for this highly-urbanized city.
“To transform Bacolod into a super city, kinanglan ta gid sang master plan…to make Bacolod a truly global, modern, inclusive, and sustainable super city,” the mayor said in his SOCA that started at around 6 p.m., and lasted for about one hour.
“The state of the city is stronger than ever. But we need to sustain our momentum,” Benitez said, adding that part of the master plan includes the development of a river promenade in Mambuloc, a network of agri-hubs to ensure food security and promote agritourism, and bioswales for the rainwater runoff to mitigate flooding.
“We will make Lacson Street the showcase of modern Bacolod, the pride of the city. We will make Lacson Street like the Orchard Road in Singapore, the Ayala Avenue of Makati…we will reclaim the sidewalk and turn it into linear parks,” Benitez said. “Unahon ta ibutang underground ang mga electric and telco cables da sa Lacson Street para madula ang mga eyesore nga spaghetti wires.”
He said that to transform Bacolod to be a super city, innovation is needed, new ways to solve old problems, and to change the culture of governance.
He admitted that there will always be people, who will oppose and resist change. “There are people who are trying and will keep trying to delay and derail our programs for Bacolod. Sila na ang may vested interest, ang ga-benepisyo sa daan nga sistema. But they will not succeed.”
He said what is important is unity and getting our acts together, and while different needs and interests should also be considered, “the long-term benefits (will always) outweigh the temporary inconveniences.”
In the SOCA attended by Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, department and office heads and personnel, as well as Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and several board members, among others, Benitez also said that investor confidence in Bacolod is high.
“Because of the changes we are doing, because of our efforts to ease doing business…new businesses are locating in Bacolod, which means more revenues for the city government, and more jobs for Bacolodnons,” he said.
He said total revenue from local taxes, regulatory fees, and other charges in 2023 reached P1.4 billion, which was P500 million higher than the collection in 2019.
“In 2024, we are expecting P1.7 billion in local revenues… (due to) our efforts to increase collection efficiency,” Benitez said as he thanked taxpayers for their trust and confidence in the city government, and assured them that their taxes will not go to waste.
Other accomplishments and ongoing projects presented include the BacCHP and burial assistance, voucher system for free medicine, the QR code system to verify legit documents and permits and do away with fixers and scammers;
The Asenso Yuhum housing program, tourism, waste management, establishment of green routes, and solutions to the lack of water and high electricity rates, among others.
“Our dream for Bacolod to become a super city may still be far. Pero amat-amat mabatyagan na naton. Changing the political culture in Bacolod is not a sprint, but a marathon, a relay. But if we go together, we go farther,” Benitez stressed as he called on Bacolodnons for their continued support and trust in him. “I cannot do it alone.”
“In just two years, we already have proof of concept…laid down the ground work (and) have planted the seeds. Our success will depend on how strong our partnership is, if we share the same vision, if we share the same values, and if we get our acts together,” he added. | CGC
