Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez announced more new infrastructure projects and programs for Victorias City during his State of the City Address at the Victorias Coliseum on Monday, July 3.

“Many good and promising things are unfolding not only for us today, but for the next generations of Victoriahanons to come”, he said as he assured his constituents that “the state of the city is strong.”

Benitez, in his hour-long speech, revealed new projects for the city like the recent congressional approval of the tertiary-level Victorias City General Hospital, a regional museum on sugar heritage, the Sidlak Village, and the Abelardo and Remedios Bantug Memorial Hospital, among others.

The mayor also highlighted the six-point agenda of his administration.

On his dynamic governance agenda, the mayor highlighted the “Sidlak City DNA”, which digitalized various government functions, operations, and services of the city government.

Benitez also highlighted the Sidlak Village in his dignified human settlements agenda, as the city was one of the first cities in the Philippines to sign a tripartite agreement to provide free housing with Pag-Ibig Fund and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

He also announced that the P55 million evacuation center will be inaugurated late this year at the Sidlak Victorias Global City Complex.

In his diversified economy agenda, Benitez highlighted the formation of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office and the rehabilitation of Victorias Commercial Center.

In his campaign towards quality education, the mayor said his administration launched the “Inclusive Learning Support System” to help the public schools in the city and the “Uplifting Life Program” to improve the lives of his constituents.

The construction of Victorias General Hospital, Super Health Centers, and Abelardo and Remedios Memorial Hospital was also highlighted as part of the action his administration is taking for his universal healthcare agenda.

He also urged the Victoriahanons to help him in creating these changes in the city.

“Our dreams will be brighter if we combine our dreams through unity,” Benitez said.

The State of the City Address of the Victorias mayor was attended by the city officials and employees, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) and his parents Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and his wife, Nikki.*