BACOLOD City – Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who has yet to confirm his political plans for the 2025 midterm elections, may have delivered hints about his future during his second State of the City Address (SOCA) on Wednesday at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.
Addressing over a thousand attendees, the mayor expressed his ongoing commitment to the city’s development projects, asserting that his administration’s work is far from complete.
In the past, Benitez has mentioned considering multiple political paths, including reelection, seeking higher office (Senate or House of Representatives), a Cabinet post, or stepping away from politics.
However, his recent statements suggest a strong inclination towards continuing his efforts in Bacolod.
“We are not finished yet. I won’t stop until we’ve transformed Bacolod,” Benitez stated, emphasizing his commitment to see through the initiatives started under his tenure.
During his address, the mayor outlined his vision of turning Bacolod into a “Super City”, a plan that involves substantial cultural and infrastructural changes.
“Our dream for Bacolod may still be far, but it is gradually becoming a reality,” he remarked, highlighting the need for endurance in what he describes as a marathon of political and cultural transformation.
Benitez also pointed to various achievements under his administration that align with the “4S of Super City” strategy — shared values, strategic services, smart solutions, and sustainable development.
Notable accomplishments he mentioned included the expansion of the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP), which now boasts over 100,000 members, and infrastructure developments that promise to become new landmarks of the city.
He also cited the Bayad Agad program that hastened the release of the financial assistance for the poor; the voucher system for free medicine; and housing program called Asenso Yuhum Housing.
Moreover, the mayor underscored ongoing strategic efforts like addressing water shortages, managing energy costs, and promoting sustainable urban planning projects such as waste management, flood control, renewable energy initiatives, road clearing, car-free Sundays, and a master plan to develop the river promenade in Mambulok, a network of agri-hubs and underground cabling.
“I have a dream – but I also have a plan. Ang mga plano naton, nasuguran na naton i-implement. In just two years, we already have proof of concept. We already laid down the ground work. We have planted the seeds,” he said.
Benitez reiterated told the press after his SOCA: “Definitely indi ta pagbayaan ang mga programa ta. Ang aton diri ginalantaw tanan nga nasuguran will be fulfilled.”
“To transform Bacolod into a super city, we need innovation. We need new ways to solve old problems. We must learn from history: cities that do not innovate eventually collapse. We need change in our culture of governance to address our growing needs and new threats,” the local chief executive said./PN
