Mayor Greg Gasataya presented the accomplishments of his first year in office, anchored on the HEART+More governance agenda, during his first State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby July 8.
He highlighted achievements in Health, Education, environment and economic growth, Accessibility to basic services, Resilience and responsive governance, and Tourism and sports, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and people-centered governance.
A key highlight in the SOCA, attended by Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, led by Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella, other city and barangay officials and employees, and representatives from the business community and other sectors, was the launch of the G-App, a mobile application that provides residents with seamless access to city government services.
“When you gave me the mandate last year to serve as your mayor, I told you that politics was over. I don’t care about politics anymore. Whether you support me or not in the next election, I will continue to do what is right for Bacolod City,” Gasataya stressed.
Under the Health pillar, the mayor cited expanded medical and social services, including the Cancer Care Program, Medical Assistance Program, Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program (BACCHP), intensified HIV awareness campaigns, wheelchair distribution, and strengthened veterinary and animal health services.
Records show that P147,844,388.42 in hospital expenses has been covered under the BACCHP, the city said.
The City Health Office reported that 10,484 animal bite victims received free anti-rabies vaccinations following the issuance of Executive Order 59, which institutionalized the free anti-rabies vaccination program.
The City Veterinary Office said 59,314 dogs and cats were vaccinated against rabies.
For education, the city continued to invest in learners through the distribution of free school supplies, school bags, and P.E. uniforms, scholarship assistance, the free graduation program of the Bacolod City College, expanded summer job opportunities, the Elevate AIDA digital skills program, and the establishment of Bacolod G-Hive to support the city’s growing creative industry.
On environment, Gasataya highlighted initiatives promoting sustainability and climate resilience, including the G-Lane and G-Barrier programs, tree-planting activities, the Sprout food security initiative, artificial reef projects, strengthened garbage collection services, sanitary landfill improvements, the Waste-to-Energy development initiative, and enhanced waste management systems.
The city disposes of an average 626 tons of garbage, equivalent to 78 truckloads, at the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa each day.
The mayor also emphasized the city’s efforts to stimulate economic growth through faster business services, including the Business One-Stop Shop express lane, investment promotion, employment facilitation, livelihood programs, expanded job fairs, support for ambulant vendors through special permits, and initiatives that continue to generate jobs and business opportunities.
To improve accessibility to government services, the administration expanded G-Serve, strengthened programs for senior citizens and social pension beneficiaries, enhanced G-Merkado, established the Youth Lounge, and improved frontline services through the Bacolod Economic and Social Enterprise and other city offices.
To strengthen disaster resilience, the city invested in earthquake and fire drills, flood mitigation projects, desilting and clearing operations, and the procurement of additional ambulances and emergency response equipment for the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Data from the City Engineer’s Office-Motorpool Division show that 12,327 tons of silt and trash, equivalent to 5,332 truckloads, were removed during massive desilting and clearing operations from various rivers and creeks across the city, from October 2025 to June 2026.
On responsive governance, Gasataya reported improvements in public safety through expanded CCTV coverage, stronger coordination with the Bacolod City Police Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection, digitization of government services through QR codes and the OBO e-Kiosk, strengthened accountability mechanisms, employee welfare programs, strategic partnerships, and continuous monitoring of commitments made during his inaugural address.
He also cited accomplishments in tourism and sports, highlighting the successful staging of festivals, increased support for athletes, sports tourism initiatives, and preparations for major events, including the hosting of this year’s Batang Pinoy and the Metro Manila Film Festival in December.
Gasataya also reported on major infrastructure and development projects, including the rehabilitation of the Old City Hall, construction of the new Legislative Building, DRRMO Command Center, City Coliseum, City Health Complex, Bucas Plus facilities, TIEZA-assisted tourism projects, cemetery improvements, football field development, modernization of traffic signal systems, the Bacolod City General Hospital, emergency hotline upgrades including the 911 integration, the Alangilan Tree Park, expansion of street lighting, the proposed Philippine Science High School Bacolod campus, pickleball courts, mobile library services, housing initiatives, emergency outposts, a centralized motor pool and warehouse, the police station at Megaworld’s The Upper East, and a digital tracking system for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation.
He called on every Bacolodnon to continue working together toward building a stronger, more resilient, and more progressive city. “Our vision is a Bacolod where every family has access to quality services, greater opportunities, and a better quality of life. The HEART+More agenda is our commitment to deliver programs that truly matter to every Bacolodnon.” ||
