- MITCH M. LIPA
The first hotel run by the Victorias City government, the Casa De Victorias, was blessed during the 62nd birthday celebration of Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Complex Feb. 15.
The hotel will soon accommodate guests, the city said.
A thanksgiving mass and special tribute to the Wellness Program for Progress (WPP) partners and to Palanca also took place.
The WPP continues to serve thousands of Victoriahanons for 17 years now, and the recent outreach was a three-day free medical consultation with medicines at the Don Alejandro Acuna Yap Quina Arts and Cultural Center Feb. 10 to 12.
The WPP medical missions have been conducted since 2005, through the selfless dedication and valuable contributions of partner agencies, sponsors, volunteer doctors and nurses, socio-civic organizations, city and barangay officials, and employees.
Victorias residents were given free slippers and eyeglasses, while about 2,000 benefited from the feeding program sponsored by the City Nutrition Council and past pupils of St. Mary Mazzarello School.
Councilor Derek Palanca, Samantha Dela Peña, who is the political officer for the Visayas of Senator Bong Go, City Health Officer Dr. Richard Garlitos, and WPP focal person Melba Silava, who is also the chief of staff of Mayor Palanca, also visited Redelia Panes of Brgy. VI-A and Jesus Ganate of Brgy. XIII for a checkup and turnover of wheelchairs Feb. 11.
On Valentine’s Day, a bloodletting drive was held, with representatives of the city’s various partner organizations as donors.
Palanca expressed his love and gratitude to everyone, who have been with him in his 27 years of serving the city as councilor, vice mayor, and mayor. He also lauded the efforts of those behind the WPP.
Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez, on behalf of 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, and Board Member Juvy Pepello, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay Negros Occidental Chapter, also attended the event and extended their well-wishes and congratulations to the program implementers of WPP and the mayor’s birthday celebration. — MML
