Kasanag Para sa Buasdamlag, a solar-powered streetlighting project of Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District), was launched in the upland community of Barangay Katilingban in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, on Sunday, November 7.
Benitez with his wife, Charlotte, and daughter, Ariana, turned over 14 solar street lamps that will be used for the posts in the barangay that will light up the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Katilingban’s version of the Via Crucis is becoming a favorite pilgrimage site for Catholic devotees during the celebration of Semana Santa or the Holy Week.
Punong Barangay Jude Javellana, who led about 100 residents of Katilingban representing beneficiaries from haciendas Magcorao, Hiyang-hiyang and Louie; Bantay Bukid, barangay health workers and tanods; and barangay officials, thanked Benitez and the Talisay officials who joined the turn-over rites.
He recalled the first time the Benitez family visited Katilingban in 205 during a medical mission, bringing free medical consultation services and free medicines.
The people of the barangay, also thanked Benitez and his elder brother former Rep. Albee Benitez for the new roads that have greatly eased travel to and from the barangay, the new multi-purpose building that now houses the barangay hall, and the ongoing work on a birthing clinic.
Present were Talisay Executive Assistant Nicolai Jalandoni who spearheaded preparations for the program, Talisay councilors Dan Tribaco, Carl Lizares, Kenn Tirthdas, Gab Villacin and Junjun Treyes. Also present were Talisay Executive Assistant Jerray Bagtas and head of Partido Kusog Talisaynon, Kenneth Tirthdas.
The group surprised the Katilingban program participants with snacks and rice for the family.*