Mayoral aspirant Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez said about 70 percent of the households in Bacolod City do not have 24/7 water supply and he is exploring ways to address the problem.
Benitez, who met with Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Wednesday, February 9, said they discussed tapping water supply from the rainforests of Negros Occidental for Bacolod’s needs.
There probably is a shortage of water in Bacolod’s deep wells with the start of summer, Benitez said.
It’s crucial that Bacolod has a source of water other than its deep wells, he said.
That is why it is very important that there is a good working relationship between the city and the provincial government so they can share resources, he said.
Lacson said the plan of Benitez would be more relevant to be tackled after the elections.
Benitez said he and the governor have also discussed Negros Occidental going for completely renewable energy.
“We are in a position to be the first province to go completely renewable energy,” Benitez said.
“If we have abundant and cheap power not only do we uplift the lives of our residents but we will also attract investments from other areas to come in. It will be a win-win situation if we solve the power issues,” he said.
When asked about his support for the presidential bid of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Benitez said “I have already given my statement, and I stand by that statement.”
Asked if PDP Laban members in Negros were also supporting Marcos, Benitez said “let’s wait for more announcements coming from the party.”*