• GILBERT P. BAYORAN / CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The bringing of “change” to highly urbanized Bacolod City, which started as the slogan of outgoing Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez back in 2022, is up for continuity by his successor, incoming Mayor Greg Gasataya.
In his inaugural speech on June 28, Gasataya, who took his oath of office before Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, assured Benitez that he will continue, and even strengthen the programs that the former started in Bacolod City.
The first 100 days of his administration, according to Gasataya, will be anchored on the word ‘heart’, a commitment to serve with immediate, actionable solutions founded on empathy, integrity and compassion.
He said the Bacolod City General Hospital, which was among his priority programs as congressman, will soon be equipped with modern, comfortable, and uncongested health care facilities for Bacolodnons.
Moving forward, the city of Bacolod and Department of Health will ensure that the finalization of its implementing rules and regulations is centered around giving access to free, if not, very affordable health care and comprehensive public health services, Gasataya said.
He also announced that the Cancer Care Center in Bacolod City, which he had worked out during his term as congressman, is set to open in August this year.
Atty. Marty Go, secretary to the City Mayor’s Office, was designated as supervisor of the BacChp health program, which was started by Benitez.
Gasataya also reported that they are now moving towards the realization of making the properties around the 22 kilometer long Bacolod-Negros Economic Highway to be among the Bacolod Investment zones.
They are also working on the donation of a 17-hectare property at the old Bacolod Airport owned by the national government, which is situated beside a 4.5 ha property of the city government, to be developed as an urban enterprise zone.
Gasataya also reported that they are laying the groundwork for the conversion of Bacolod City College (BCC) into a university, and to ensure the swift operationalization of a “Near Hire Program” through the BCC, which will provide jobs to thousands of Bacolodnons.
He also warned the IPM to “shape up or ship out,” in response to numerous complaints on garbage collection.
As to the continuing problems of flooding, Gasataya said they will focus on connecting the local drainage system to the ongoing construction of the diversion channel at the Reclamation Area, and initiate dredging operations of narrowed creeks in Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City.
He will also request the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod for the passage of an ordinance to exempt payment of processing fees for late registration of birth and death certificates for students and indigents.
Gasataya said that he will also pursue negotiations for the acquisition of a PCGG (Philippine Commission on Good Government) owned property at Brgy. 35 for the security of residents in the area.
To provide a more efficient disaster response, we will establish a strategic clustering system for barangays to fast track our emergency response time, and to ensure the full activation of 101 CCTVs for enhanced monitoring and security capabilities, the incoming mayor said.
Gasataya is looking forward to the establishment of two additional police stations in Brgys. Sum-ag and Banago.
“We will also implement the no parking ordinance in Lacson and Araneta Streets, upon identification and establishment of alternative parking spaces,” he said, and maximizing the Bacolod- Negros Occidental Economic Highway as an alternative route.
He added that on July 4, the city government will recognize and award cash incentives to Bacolodnon medalists in the Palarong Pambansa 2025.
Gasataya also assured taxpayers of transparency in government services, no ghost job order workers, as he also called on JO and regular workers to undergo drug testing.
We begin this journey with a clear purpose, firm resolve and a heart full of hope. In 100 days, we may not accomplish everything, but we can surely prove that we are serious about change- and even more serious about our people, he stressed.
In his remarks, Benitez said the turning over of keys of responsibility to the Mayor Gasataya represents “not just transition, but trust, unity, and our shared commitment to the people of Bacolod.”
As I move forward to represent you in Congress, know that my dedication to Bacolod remains as strong as ever, said Benitez, who swapped positions with Gasataya.
REACTIONS
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he believes that under incoming Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, Bacolod will lead the country one day.
In his message during the inauguration and oath taking rites of the incoming officials at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds, Remulla said Gasataya has everything it takes to lead the country. He was impressed by Gasataya’s success story from being a driver’s son to becoming a councilor, vice mayor, congressman, and now mayor.
“He is a living testament that if you work hard and you really dream hard enough, your dreams can come true,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Bacolod councilor Ricardo “Cano” Tan said there is never anyone in the history of politics like Gasataya. He was only a radio commentator (of Bombo Radyo Bacolod) before but he was able to serve as councilor for three terms, then he became vice mayor, and was able to finish his three terms as congressman.
He is undefeated, Tan said. He is happy Gasataya will be the next mayor and that he believes he will be able to deliver his promises to serve the people of Bacolod with all honesty and integrity, as well as implement all laws and ordinances of the city.
“I believe Gasataya will bring Bacolod to greater heights together with incoming Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez and the members of the Sanggunian. And because they belong to one team, I expect their relationship to be harmonious,” he added.*
