BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A solar-powered street lighting project of 3rd district Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez was launched on November 7 in the former rebel-infested upland barangay of Katilingban in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
Benitez, accompanied by his wife, Charlotte and daughter, Ariana, turned over 14 sets of solar street lamps that will be used for the lamp posts in the barangay that will light up the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Katilingban’s version of the Via Crucis is becoming a favorite pilgrimage site for Catholic devotees during the celebration of Semana Santa or the Holy Week.
Punong Barangay Jude Javellana who led about 100 residents of Katilingban representing beneficiaries in Haciendas Magcorao, Hiyang-hiyang and Louie; Bantay Bukid, barangay health workers and tanods; and barangay officials, thanked Rep. Benitez and Talisay officials who joined the simple turn-over rites.
Javellana recalled that the first time Benitez family visited Katilingban was in 2015 where residents availed of free medical consultation services and medicines.
He also thanked former Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez for the new roads that have greatly eased travel to and from the barangay, the new multi-purpose building that now houses the barangay hall, as well as the ongoing work of a birthing clinic.
Present were Talisay Executive Assistant Nicolai Jalandoni who spearheaded preparations for the program, Talisay Councilors Dan Tribaco, Carl Lizares, Kenn Tirthdas, Gab Villacin and Junjun Treyes. Also present were Talisay Executive Assistant Jerray Bagtas and head of Partido Kusog Talisaynon, Kenneth Tirthdas.
Benitez, accompanied by Jalandoni, also distributed jetmatic water pumps to residents of Purok Okra and Hacienda Santa Teresita in Brgy. Dos Hermanas, as well as Brgys. Zone 8 and 9, also in Talisay City, on the same day.*
