BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental top political leaders joined about 15,000 residents in the grand rally of mayoral bet Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez on March 24, ahead of the start of the local campaign, at Hacienda Loreto in Brgy. 13, Victorias City, Negros Occidental, amid heavy downpours.
In what others described as a “rare occasion,” Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, Reps. Greg Gasataya and Jose Francisco Benitez, Board Members Manuel Frederick Ko, Andrew Montelibano and Juvy Pepello, Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, number 2 nominee of the Abang Lingkod partylist group, former Rep. Alfredo Benitez, and Team Asenso Bacolod came in full force to support the younger Benitez in his bid for the Victorias City mayoralty post.
Javi Benitez promised more progress for Victorias City if elected as mayor, as he called for unity, which he said is the “scaffolding for communal development.”
No matter how long we spend time in planning, or utilizing huge resources, if there is no unity, it will only end up as waste, the younger Benitez said.
He said his dream is to make Victorias City as “dignified human settlement” for all, where essential needs such as water, electricity, transportation, and stabilized peace and order, are in place.
“We need a diversified economy, in case there is (sic) changes in our economic landscape, where it could serve as a driver to economic activities,” Javi said.
The younger Benitez said that he will also push for the use of technology in continuing the delivery of efficient basic services to Victoriahanons, education for all, and to further strengthen the Universal Health Care.
Life is short, and the best time to act is now – Now that we are able and available, Javi stressed.
Others are saying that “I am young and at the best years of my life. But that advantaged position I will offer it to Victoriahanons,” he stressed.
The festive rally dubbed as “Sidlak sang Masanag nga Buasdamlag (Dawn of a Bright Future) unexpectedly drenched thousands of participants because of a thunderstorm that brought torrential rains.
Amid heavy downpours, Javi was endorsed by his father, Alfredo, and uncle, Jose Francisco Benitez, in front of their drenched supporters.
In his Facebook post, Javi said it was “a night I’ll never forget.”
“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who came and sorry that Bamboo and Brownman Revival weren’t able to perform due to the heavy rain,” he added.
“My only wish right now is that all of you are safe with your loved ones,” Javi further said.
The political event would have turned into a concert with singers Bamboo and the band Brownman Revival from Manila as main guests until the unexpected rain forced organizers to call it off.*GPB
REMAIN CALM
Mayoralty bet Alfredo “Albee” Benitez called on supporters of Team Asenso to remain calm and make the election peaceful in Bacolod City, stressing that fighting will not make one win.
The appeal was made by Benitez, who was among those attended the grand rally of his son Javi, a mayoralty candidate in Victorias City on Thursday night, as the campaign period for local candidates started yesterday.
“Let us present ourselves and our programs, and let the people decide,” Benitez, a former congressman of the 3rd district of Negros Occidental, said.
This is only an election. After that, let’s all be friends and work together, he stressed.
The Team Asenso Bacolod of Benitez, including Rep. Greg Gasataya, will have its grand rally dubbed as “Ti-on sang Pagbag-o” (Time for Change) on March 26 at the Paglaum Sports Complex in Bacolod City.
Everybody is welcome to witness the rally, Benitez said, stressing also that they are shying away from national candidates.
The focus will be purely local, he added.
The Team Asenso Bacolod grand rally on Saturday features Bamboo, Silent Sanctuary and a surprise celebrity guest.*
