Bacolod officials upbeat on local priorities aligned with PBBM agenda

Officials of this highly urbanized city have expressed support for the various initiatives being pushed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to improve the lives of Filipinos during his fourth State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

- By GLAZYL MASCULINO and PNA

Mayor Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, and other city officials joined Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez in attending the President's address at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

"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 started several key initiatives mentioned by the President, including those in the aspects of 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 added.

Puentevella said the Chief Executive has laid down the legacy programs he wants to fulfill until his term in 2028.