By Nanette Guadalquiver
BACOLOD CITY – Officials of this highly urbanized city have expressed full support for the various initiatives being pushed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to improve the lives of Filipinos, conveyed during his recent fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Mayor Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, and other city officials joined Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez in attending the President’s address at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday.
“Having witnessed the fourth SONA of President Bongbong Marcos, we are inspired to know that our efforts in Bacolod City are aligned with the direction of the current administration,” the mayor said in a statement.
Gastaya said the city government has already started several key initiatives mentioned by the President, including those related to public spaces, healthcare, sports, digitization, peace and order, and disaster preparedness.
“We shall continue implementing these programs with unwavering resolve, knowing that we are part of a bigger vision. We heard the President’s call for unity, compassion, and shared responsibility, and we answer it with open hearts,” he emphasized.
Puentevella said the Chief Executive has laid down the legacy programs he wants to fulfill until his term in 2028. “The President’s SONA covered a wider range of programs of his administration — from health to Love Bus to flood control. We all can see that he is doing his part in his last three years in office. We’re hoping these can all be implemented properly,” he added.
Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson welcomed the President’s pronouncements, particularly on the audit and review of the flood control projects implemented during his administration. “We’re hopeful when he said he will be strict on these projects. This is timely with what is happening now,” he said, referring to the recent weather disturbances that caused flooding in many parts of the country, including Bacolod.
Councilor Caesar Distrito said the President’s message came from the heart and addressed the everyday concerns of the ordinary Filipinos. Among these are the “zero-balance billing” in government hospitals and the P20 per kilo rice, he added.
Earlier on Monday, Rep. Benitez also reaffirmed his support for the Marcos administration as an independent lawmaker. “I will serve as an independent member of the House – fully supportive of the President and committed to encouraging broader support for his leadership,” he said. (PNA)