Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez kicked off the 117th Malihaw Festival on April 24 with the inauguration of seven infrastructure projects worth P34.5 million, in various areas of Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

For increased access to healthy foods and to promote public health and safety to Victoriahanons, the Benitez administration renovated and improved the Victorias Commercial Center, with a P23 million total project allotment.

The renovation and improvement project involved the wet market and coconut section of VCC to provide a decent, conducive, and safe facility for both vendors and marketgoers.

Benitez led the ribbon cutting and blessing ceremony of the facilities, as well as the unveiling of the project marker.

Of the allocated funds, P8 million was funded for the wet section, while more than P1.5 million earmarked for the coconut section.

The P2 million Multi-purpose Hall and Basketball Court in Bahay Pag-asa, Barangay XIV was also inaugurated by Benitez.

In a statement issued by the City Public Information Office, these facilities are intended to create well-equipped spaces for the confined youth to pursue various physical activities, as well as to enjoy a variety of events and programs inside the center.

The newly inaugurated amenities will also serve as accommodations for clients and for significant meetings in Bahay Pag-asa.

To cater to the continuing increase in the number of commuters in the city, the city government of Victorias also allotted P1.5 million for the improvement of the City Transport Terminal.

This includes the replacement of damaged corrugated sheets and fascia, the repainting of rusted steel trusses, and the whole transport terminal.

Benitez, accompanied by City police chief Lt. Col. Rory Rodrigo Gutierrez also inaugurated the PNP Sub Station in Barangay XIII, Victorias City.

With a total of P3 million project cost, the permanent police structure is intended to augment peace and order in the densely populated settlement area.

Through amplified police presence and visibility in the said area, rapid and more effective responses of PNP are now more possible. Thus, the project also paved way for the residents to have convenient access to the police force, the City PIO said.

During the flag-raising ceremony, Mayor Javi also presented the 14 units of rolling stores with waste bins for local vendors at the City Public Plaza. He also led the blessing ceremony for the newly renovated City Mayor’s Office.

Benitez also led the installation and switch-on ceremony of 112 units of solar lights worth P5million along Osmeña Avenue, Estrella-Estado Road, at the City proper.*