BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Bacolod Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella was recognized as one of the “2022 Most Outstanding Men and Women of Western Visayas,” along with 14 other elected officials and private individuals in the region, during the awarding ceremony organized by Keep on Talking in Iloilo City, Saturday.
Among the awardees was Hinobaan Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias.
Keep on Talking is a non-government organization (NGO) that recognizes the contributions of successful individuals in their respective field of endeavors, who have inspired others through their service to the community.
Puentevella thanked Jorge Favila Lopera of Keep on Talking for choosing him as one of the awardees, along with other city and municipal mayors, and the business community sector of the provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Aklan and Antique.
In the 12 years of existence of the NGO, this was the first time that one awardee is from Bacolod City, he said.
Puentevella said his accomplishments for the first 100 days in office as city councilor for having authored many legislations, as well as his active participation in the city’s programs in line with his committee chairmanship, were the basis for his having qualified for the award.
He chairs three committees in the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod namely, the committees on Health and Sanitation; Energy; and Environment.
Puentevella said he is currently working for the passage of his proposed Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP) ordinance which is scheduled for second reading tomorrow.
The BacCHP, which is one of the flagship programs of the Benitez administration, aims to give preventive and curative health care services to qualified Philippine Health Insurance, Inc. (PhilHealth) indigent members from all the barangays in Bacolod City, he added.*
