• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez delivered his final State of the City Address on May 5, reflecting on three years of governance marked by reforms, infrastructure development, and inclusive leadership at the Victorias City Public Plaza.
Speaking before government officials, employees, and Victoriasanons, Benitez opened with gratitude for what he called a “baptism of fire” as the city’s youngest chief executive.
“The past three years were not easy,” he admitted. “But I will end this term with gratitude,” Benitez said.
He anchored his report on the Six-Point Development Agenda, which focused on dynamic governance, dignified human settlements, disaster resilient communities, diversified economy, inclusive education, and universal health care.
Benitez cited over 138 awards and citations received by the city, stating that they reflect not just government performance but “the culture of victory” that residents helped shape.
Reforms in City Hall were among his early priorities, including service with a smile, enforcement of work discipline, and creation of the Culture and Ethics Office.
“These may seem small, but they mattered to the people waiting in line,” the outgoing mayor stressed.
Infrastructure projects worth over P216 million were completed during his term, including road improvements, government buildings, health centers, and the city’s evacuation command center.
The city launched digitization programs under the Sidlak City DNA initiative, including the province’s first fully-automated Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS).
The Abelardo and Remedios Bantug Memorial Hospital (ARBMH) and P18 million Super Health Center opened to address gaps in health access, while the city became the first DOH-certified Primary Care Facility in the province.
In education, over 7,000 scholarships were granted, and more than P100 million was invested in digital tools, learning infrastructure, and partnerships.
Benitez highlighted the transformation of the city’s business environment, noting the arrival of the first BPO and international company like McDonald’s.
He reported that the city’s revenue improved, accompanied by a rise in registered businesses, which grew from 1,098 in 2021 to 1,515 in 2024.
He also cited Victorias’ success in public safety, including the installation of 335 high-definition CCTV units and commendations for the Victorias PNP’s operations against drugs and illegal gambling.
Victorias City was also named “Most Improved Component City in Western Visayas” and received back-to-back Seal of Good Local Governance awards from the DILG.
A notable future development is the Sidlak Victorias Global City, featuring a P550 million New Government Center and a P1.2 billion residential complex under the national 4PH housing program.
Benitez also said he stood firm against critics, confronting misinformation with transparency and calling for a deeper understanding of service beyond appearances.
He reminded constituents that the city’s battle was not just against poverty or disaster—but against the old mindset that change was impossible.
Emotions welled as he acknowledged this would be his first and only term as mayor, stating, “While it is not that long, in three years, we accomplished many great things.”
He said he spoke not as a politician, but as a son of Victorias, who dreamed of restoring the people’s pride and their belief in themselves.
“I may not be your mayor much longer,” he said, “but if destiny allows, I will be your congressman—and I will carry Victorias with me.”
In his closing, Benitez emphasized that his mission was not just to lead but to empower.
“I cannot fetch you water to drink all your life, but I can take you to the well where you can survive for a lifetime,” he said.
He described this not just as the end of a term, but as the continuation of a mission to help Victoriasanons stand on their own and shape their future.
“This is the state of our city—it is stronger than ever before, and it is Victorious because we are victors and survivors,” Benitez concluded.*
