BACOLOD City – Just three days before stepping down as the city’s chief executive, outgoing Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, now congressman-elect for Bacolod’s Lone District, outlined his vision beyond 2025 during his final State of the City Address (SOCA) held on June 25 at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds.
Benitez emphasized continuity, commitment, and congressional support for the city he served for one term.
“As I prepare to serve you in a new capacity, akon pagadal-on ang mga leksyon, handum, kag panumpa nga aton ginhimo kag gintukod sa nagligad nga tatlo ka tuig,” he said, reflecting on his mayoral journey.
He recalled his first day in office when he joined the flag-raising ceremony and introduced his mantra: “Go the Extra Mile”, a simple yet powerful reminder that public service is a mission, not just a job.
“In my three years of service, I lived by that mantra and went the extra mile as your Mayor — and I hope, by my example, you did too,” he told Bacolodnons.
“While I may no longer lead Bacolod from the Government Center, I will continue going the extra mile — this time on the national stage as your Congressman,” Benitez added.
He stressed that his commitment to Bacolod does not end with his term as mayor, saying:
“Madamo pa sang dapat himuon para sa Bacolod. Gani, dako ang responsibilidad nga nagahulat sa masunod nga administrasyon [Mayor-elect Greg Gasataya]. Bacolodnons placed their trust in you—you are expected to deliver more, do better, and build on the progress we began.”
As the city’s new representative in Congress, Benitez vowed full support for the newly elected officials and promised to stand by them every step of the way.
“Mapadayon kita sa pag-asenso,” he declared, highlighting eight key legislative priorities he will champion in Congress.
These include expanding skills training through Bacolod City College (BCC); establishing a data-driven integrated traffic control law; constructing long-term flood barriers and pump gates; and strengthening local government waste management systems. He also aims to secure bigger budgets for anti-drug education and rehabilitation, ensure reliable power and water regulatory oversight, push for the nationwide implementation of the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program (BaCCHP), and pass legislation mandating fully digital LGU frontline services — patterned after Bacolod’s own digitalization success.
“These are the causes I will champion. Indi lamang bilang inyo Congressman, kundi bilang isa ka Bacolodnon nga may pagtuo sa aton padayon nga pag-asenso,” Benitez said.
During his final SOCA, he made it clear: his service to Bacolod is far from over.
“As I take on a new role, I carry with me the same commitment to push for real, lasting change,” Benitez concluded./PN
