• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The “ASTIG Victorias 2028” Priority Development Agenda of Mayor Abelardo Bantug III was launched on May 28, marking the start of the city’s long-term blueprint for sustainable, inclusive, and transformative development.
The ASTIG Victorias 2028 agenda is anchored on the four major pillars of Agriculture, Social Services, Tourism, and Institutional Growth.
During the launch held at the Victorias City public plaza, Mayor Bantug emphasized that the initiative goes beyond presenting a list of government programs, describing it instead as “a vision and direction for the future of Victorias City.”
He said the development agenda represents “a future grounded on service, strengthened by innovation, and driven by our shared dreams of progress.”
Under the Agriculture pillar, the city aims to strengthen food security through expanded production programs for crops, livestock, and fisheries. The agenda also includes infrastructure support such as irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, processing centers, and marketing assistance for local producers.
The Social Services pillar focuses on improving access to healthcare, education, housing, and social welfare services. Plans include expanded healthcare programs, scholarship assistance, enhanced learning facilities, and housing initiatives under the Sidlak Victorias Global City project.
Meanwhile, the Tourism pillar seeks to position Victorias as a premier destination for agri-eco, wellness, cultural, educational, and sports tourism through infrastructure development, tourism promotions, and capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders.
The Institutional Growth pillar centers on digital transformation, revenue enhancement, improved public service delivery, transparency, and efficiency in governance systems. It also covers environmental programs, human resource development, and gender and development initiatives.
Vice Mayor Derek Palanca delivered the legislative message of support, assuring everyone that the council remains supportive of initiatives that are responsive, inclusive, and sustainable, and which directly improve the quality of life of Victoriasanons.
City Planning and Development Coordinator Dr. Evangeline Alo presented the rationale behind the program, highlighting its goal of promoting sustainable, transformative, and inclusive governance anchored on four major development pillars.
Support for the initiative was expressed by various sector representatives during the launch. SK Federation President Trisha Mae Majan delivered the message for the youth sector, while Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Portia Mallorca, CESO V, represented the academe. City Agriculture and Fisheries Council President Fred Genandoy spoke on behalf of civic society organizations, and Liga ng mga Barangay–Negros Occidental Chapter President Richard Julius Sablan represented the barangay sector.*
