About 15,000 residents joined the rally of mayoral candidate Javi Benitez on the eve of the official start of the local campaign in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, Thursday night, March 24.
The rally dubbed “Sidlak sang masanag nga buasdamlag (the dawn of a bright future), which featured numerous performers, was held at Hacienda Loreto, Barangay 13 in Victorias City.
The festive rally ended when rain drenched the crowd before Benitez could deliver his speech.
Benitez said it is time for progress in Victorias through change.
“My dream for Victorias is a dignified human settlement for all,” he said, where essential needs such as water, electricity and transportation are in place.
He also cited a plan to address flooding and to create alternative livelihoods.
The need for a diversified economy to bring change to the city’s economic landscape, the use of technology to improve government services, universal health care and education were also cited by Benitez as among his priorities.
“Life is short, and the best time to act is now – now that we are able and available,” said Benitez, who promised a proactive and consultative style of leadership.
Benitez was joined by his Team Asenso Victoriahanon slate, uncle Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District), father former Rep. Alfredo Albee” Benitez, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer and other provincial and local officials.*