Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, Rep. Greg Gasataya and their Team Asenso candidates for councilor vowed to continue to bring change and progress to Bacolod City at their opening campaign rally at the Paglaum Stadium in Bacolod City Friday night, March 28.
Benitez is running for representative of Bacolod and Gasataya is running for mayor.
They will continue the path towards making Bacolod a super city, Benitez vowed.
Benitez said his decision to run for congressman was not easy but he believes he will be able to hasten Bacolod’s becoming a super city at the national level.
He will be able to access more resources and facilities for the city, Benitez said.
Benitez said he has done his job and brought change to Bacolod and is calling on Bacolodnons to join him in continuing to make Bacolod great again.
He said among the changes he brought to Bacolod is the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program that enables Bacolodnons to be hospitalized in private hospitals without a downpayment, the social pension for the elderly, providing assistance to solo parents, and the “bayad agad” program that allows the immediate release of assistance to those in need.
He also cited the use of QR codes and the digitalization of government transactions for more transparent and accountable services, the setting up of a command center to keep watch against crimes and disasters, the ATM system of paying job order workers, and the Yuhum housing program.
Gasataya said what he is today he owns to the people of Bacolod and he will not let them down.
He and the Team Asenso candidates are running on a track record of performance, with a plan and vision for Bacolod, Gasataya said.
Gasataya also cited the numerous projects he has brought to Bacolod such as the economic highway, hospital, cancer center, free education and more.
He also vowed to continue the programs of Benitez that have brought change to Bacolod.
Gasataya said he will work for the people of Bacolod and not use his position for any personal business.
Councilor Kalaw Puentevella, who is running for vice mayor, said he has been inspired by his father, former Bacolod mayor and representative Monico Puentevella, to serve the people of Bacolod with his heart
Puentevella said he has seen to the passage of 14 city ordinances, including the one creating the Bacolod Comprehensive Heath Program.
The Team Asenso candidates for councilor are incumbents Em Ang, Al Espino, Celia Flor, Vladi Gonzalez, Israel Salanga, Thaddy Sayson, Pao Sy and Jason Villarosa, and former councilors Homer Bais, Caesar Distrito, Dindo Ramos and Bobby Rojas.
The police estimated the crowd at the Paglaum Stadium at 6,000.*