BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – A non-governmental organization (NGO) survey cited 13 top-performing local chief executives (LCEs) in Negros Occidental.
The RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) “Boses ng Bayan” is an independent, non-commissioned nationwide survey regarding the overall performance of public officials.
Bacolod City mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez ranked No. 1 with a rating of 83.7 percent, sharing the spot with Iloilo City mayor Jerry Treñas, with a rating of 82.9 percent.
No. 3 on the survey was Victorias City mayor Javier Miguel Benitez (77.5 percent rating), followed by Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. of Escalante City (73.2 percent rating) at No. 4.
Sipalay City mayor Maria Gina Lizares (71.4 percent rating) was at No. 5, and Kabankalan City mayor Benjie Miranda (69.1 percent rating) was at No. 6.
Tied for the No. 7 spot are La Carlota City mayor Rex Jalando-on (67.5 percent rating) and Cadiz City mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. (67.2 percent rating).
Sharing the No. 8 spot were Talisay City mayor Neil Lizares (65.8 percent rating) and Himamaylan City mayor Raymund Tongson (65.4 percent rating).
Mayor Rene Gustilo of San Carlos City was at No. 9 (62.5 percent rating), and Mayor Nicholas Yulo of Bago City (58.1 percent rating) was at No. 11.
Silay City mayor Joedith Gallego placed No. 12 (56.8 percent rating), followed by Sagay City mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. (54.9 percent rating) at No. 13.
The other top-performing LCEs were Roxas City mayor Ronnie Dadivas, who got the No. 2 spot with a rating of 80.1 percent, and Passi City mayor Stephen Palmares, who got the No. 10 spot with a rating of 60.3 percent.
Dr. Paul Martinez, executive director of RPMD, said the job performance of city mayors is crucial, and the recent “Boses ng Bayan” survey provides an essential benchmark for measuring these officials’ effectiveness and ability to deliver results.
“The survey covers a range of metrics, from public safety and financial management to infrastructure and service delivery, providing a comprehensive picture of each mayor’s performance,” said Martinez.
The organization also commented that, despite being a neophyte in the mayoral position, the Bacolod City mayor demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills.
“His ability to prioritize the needs of his constituents and execute strategic plans has undoubtedly contributed to his remarkable performance in the survey,” the NGO added in its statement.
The Iloilo City mayor, on the other hand, is no stranger to public service, having served as a congressman and as mayor for a few terms already.
They added Treñas’ experience and dedication to his constituents have helped him achieve a score comparable to his counterpart in Bacolod City, and he remains a strong contender for the top spot.
“These two mayors serve as excellent examples of what effective leadership can accomplish in a short amount of time. Their scores in the survey are a testament to their commitment to their constituents and the progress they have made in their respective cities,” the RPMD added./PN
