• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Victorias is victorious and stronger than ever before, Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said in his State of the City Address (SOCA) Monday night, May 5, at the public plaza.
The SOCA, delivered for almost two hours, highlighted gains in the six-point development agenda of the first-termer mayor, including diversified economy, education for all, dynamic governance, dignified human settlement, disaster resilient communities, and the universal healthcare plan.
Benitez said his administration focused on promoting Victorias as potential investment site, and noted several big businesses that have started operating in the city.
Business Permit and Licensing Office records show an increase in business registrations, from 1,098 in 2021 to 1,515 in 2024, he said.
“We were able to bring in (the first) BPO with Global Strategic nga nakahatag sang employment sa mga pumuluyo naton nga qualified to work sa BPO industry. Kag after more than 30 years in operation sa Negros Occidental, McDonald Philippines finally saw potential sa aton ciudad, gani ginbuksan nila ang McDonalds Victorias this 2025,” the mayor said, adding that other big businesses also manifested intention to operate in the city.
“This is a good sign that Victorias is now attracting multinational businesses to invest in our city (and I’m) confident of more businesses to come,” Benitez stressed. “With our Sidlak Victorias Global City (SVGC) rising soon…mas maga-attract ini sang mga investors, considering that there’s more space and growth area sa vicinity sang aton SVGC.”
He also noted several building constructions and renovations implemented, all worth more than P216 million, since he assumed office as the youngest mayor of Victorias.
These include the two-storey evacuation center, improvements and repairs of the Victorias Commercial Center, repair and improvements of elementary and high school classrooms, improvements of the police station;
Construction of super health centers, a two-storey dorm-type hotel and improvement of multi-purpose cottages at Gawahon Eco-park, site development and construction of cottages at the City Aquatic Center, construction of the Victorias Welcome Arc and Veterans monument, as well as upgrading of the city’s One-Stop Shop Office, among others.
These infrastructure projects led to convenience and access to basic services of Victoriasanons, and will bring in business opportunities, employment, and economic growth, Benitez said. “Importante ang peace and order, infrastructure, positive image, sound local government policies, kag leadership sang isa ka lugar agud maka-attract sang mga investors both from local business sector kag bisan sa gwa sang probinsya.” | CGC
