• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez is strengthening public safety, modernizing transportation, and advancing environmental sustainability as part of the long-term vision to make Bacolod a “super city”.
The Deputy Speaker announced during his State of the District Address on July 10 that he will implement a cluster model that places police and fire facilities closer together to improve emergency response.
The approach is expected to enhance coordination among responders, speed up mobilization, and enable quicker response times during emergencies.
A pilot cluster has already been established in Barangay Mandalagan.
Benitez said that efforts are also underway to expand the Bacolod City Fire Station and the Bacolod City Police Office through the construction of additional facilities, acquisition of improved equipment, and establishment of more fire stations and police substations across the city.
These initiatives are expected to increase police visibility, improve emergency response, strengthen public confidence, and provide residents with greater peace of mind.
Benitez said that Bacolod is also moving forward with plans to modernize its transportation system by transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).
The initiative supports the full implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act through a proposed House resolution that seeks to address financing and implementation challenges.
“We will start the transition of public transport sector to EVs,” the Bacolod lawmaker said, adding that to accelerate the transition, an EV one-stop shop is being proposed.
This will provide transport operators, businesses, and residents with information on EV technologies while linking them with government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Small Business Corporation, financial institutions, and lending organizations that can help make EVs more affordable and accessible.
The move is expected to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve air quality, lower transportation costs, and promote cleaner and more efficient mobility. | GPB
