• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, a congressional aspirant for the Negros Occidental 3rd district, on Saturday night gave an assurance that he will continue the so-called “Benitez legacy” in the district, which was started by his father, Alfredo Abelardo, and uncle, Jose Francisco.
In his speech, Benitez also bared his “Asenso plus” programs, aimed at bringing more development to the district through infrastructure projects and services of the people.
If elected to the position, Benitez, will be the youngest congressman of Negros Occidental. He told the youth who were present at his ‘Miting de Avance’ at the Victorias City Public Plaza “it is now our time.”
“We are not going to be living for today. But today, we will lead to ensure that our tomorrow will be even brighter. Many years from now, we will be living in a world that we create,” the outgoing mayor of Victorias City said.
Among his Asenso plus programs include the establishment of tourism circuit road network, which will connect all the tourism sites and destination of the cities Victorias City, Silay, and Talisay cities, as well as the municipalities of E.B.Magalona and Murcia, for easy access for tourists and residents.
The construction of arterial roads to the national highway, urban thoroughfares, viaduct and coastal road system in congested business districts to further improve urban mobility, integrated transport network, urban drainage system, more daycare centers to further strengthen early childhood education programs, and IP multi-purpose centers, among numerous others.
Benitez said he will also pursue big ticket projects by his uncle, Jose Francisco, who is now the secretary of TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), namely the Negros Occidental Convention Center, which will elevate the status of 3rd district as a host to big conventions and conferences, both local and international.
Local officials and supporters came together on Saturday at the Victorias City public plaza, despite rains.
The ‘Miting de Avance’ of Mayor Javi was also attended by his mother, Nikki, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and his vice gubernatorial running mate, Board Member Jose Benito Alonso, Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko, first nominee for the AbangLingkod partylist, reelectionist Board Member Andrew Montelibano, and board member aspirant Rolin Meliton.
Also present were Team Asenso of E.B. Magalona, led by incumbent Mayor Marvin Malacon and his son, Matthew Louis, the mayoral aspirant, Team Asenso of Talisay City led by Mayor Neil Lizares, and his wife who is running as a candidate to replace him, Atty. Rowena Lopez Lizares, Team Asenso of Silay City led by former Mayor Mark Golez, Team Asenso of Victorias led by Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, who is also running for mayor, and Team Asenso of Murcia led by reelectionist Mayor Gerry Rojas.
“We need your support to implement the Asenso plus programs,” Benitez told them.
To the people of the 3rd district, he said “Let us give a chance for a youth to be in Congress.”
“Let tomorrow lead today,” stressed the 30-year-old Benitez, who was also the youngest local chief executive of Negros Occidental when elected mayor of Victorias City at the age of 27.*
