Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez led the turnover of two cars and five motorcycles to the raffle draw winners of the Victorias City Employees’ Appreciation Day held in December, during the regular flag-raising ceremony at the City Public Plaza on Monday, January 27.
The prizes, courtesy of the mayor’s family, included two Mitsubishi Mirage cars and five Honda Beat motorcycles, a press release from Victorias City said.
Lennon Vitorin of the City Assessor’s Office and Ariel Pelagio of the City Engineer’s Office each received a Mitsubishi Mirage.
The five Honda Click motorcycle winners were Glenny Rae Guardapez from the City Human Resource Management Office, Monina Benit from the City Treasurer’s Office, Nariel Bandojo and Francis Martizano from the City Health Office, and Rocelyn Babor from the City Planning and Development Office.
Benitez, in his message during the flag raising ceremony, thanked the Engineering and General Services Offices, as well as other offices involved in the installation of air conditioning on the ground floor of the City Hall.
He emphasized the importance of providing taxpayers with a VIP experience when they are at the City Hall.
The mayor also thanked the Victorias City Environment and Natural Resources Office and community volunteers for their consistent efforts in the weekly cleanup drive.
He called for discipline and community collaboration to maintain clean drainage systems and prevent flooding.
Benitez also said the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council has passed resolutions to procure additional equipment to address flooding concerns.
The city government also plans to acquire a dome for the public plaza to ensure uninterrupted city programs regardless of weather conditions, he added.
The mayor explained the allocation of a P1 billion loan for projects benefiting Victorias City.
He assured his constituents that city funds are being utilized solely for their welfare and that projects extending beyond local funds will be pursued through lobbying efforts.
He highlighted the city’s progress with its online Business One-Stop Shop, which streamlines the process of securing business permits.
The mayor also said he is confident more small, medium, and large businesses will open in Victorias City in the coming years.
Benitez reiterated his commitment to fostering sustainable growth and showcasing the city’s progress to the Third District.
During the ceremony, resolutions of appreciation and commendation were presented by Mayor Javi and city officials.
These included a resolution recognizing Benitez and the city officials for their transparency and efficient communication in promoting the city’s progress.
A resolution was also passed congratulating Ma. Russel Jimenez Dimson for passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in Elementary Education.
Another resolution recognized the Victorias City Deaf Association for winning second place in the Interpretative Dance Category during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Celebration.
The Federation of Senior Citizen Association of the Philippines (FSCAP) Victorias City Chapter was also commended for their championship in the Provincial Zumba Dance Competition during the Elderly Filipino Week Celebration.
Ronald Losaria Jr. was congratulated for graduating as Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, and Ryan Nelo was recognized for passing the Professional Teachers Board Examination.
Barangay VI-A, led by Punong Barangay Anna Mae Claro, was also commended for being one of the best barangays in financial reporting for CY 2024, awarded by the Association of Local Government Accountants in Negros Occidental, Inc.
The City Veterinary Office, headed by City Veterinarian Dr. Ma. Anicka Villegas, was also recognized as the Best Implementor in Animal Disease Surveillance during the 2024 PLANO Year-End Review and Awarding Ceremony.
Loyalty awards were also given to city employees for their dedicated years of service.
The awardees included Dr. Richard Garlitos (City Health Office) for 10 years, Mary Jane Jacobo (City Health Office) for 30 years, and Joselito Guanco (Permits and Licensing Office) for 15 years.
Other loyalty awardees were Reno Pausa (Plaza and Parks) for 15 years, Romel Pineda (General Services Office) for 15 years, Dennis Parcon (General Services Office) for 15 years, and Noel Velasco (VCENRO) for 15 years.
Additional awardees included Ralph Dan Saura (Mayor’s Office IT Section) for 10 years, Jessie Sumaria Jr. (Mayor’s Office IT Section) for 10 years, Atelano Julio (Engineering Office) for 10 years, and Ben Jose Ortillo (Engineering Office) for 10 years.
Best Employees of the Month were also recognized for their exceptional performance.
For November, the awardees were Jenelyn Bancaya, Eleuterio Cunanan Jr., and Bienvenido Andrada Jr.
For December, the honorees were Rodolfo Villarias Jr., Ma. Christina Barluado, and Lorlyn Limpot. *