BACOLOD CITY -- A 22-year-old Bacoleña won a brand new car, while five others each took home brand new motorbikes from Mayor Alfredo Abelardo ‘Albee’ Benitez during the New Year’s Day celebration.

In a media interview, Gelline Alunan of Barangay Taculing, said her family did not expect it since thousands of Bacolod residents joined the raffle.
Alunan said she learned about the raffle through Benitez’s Facebook page.
They were watching the live streaming of the New Year countdown at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) via Facebook, when her name was announced as the winner of a brand new white Toyota Vios.
Alunan said they were really thankful because the car will help them in their videoke business, as well as for family use.
Alunan graduated Kto12 at Bacolod City National High School, and had worked temporarily in Negros Oriental.
Aside from her, a casual government employee also won a brand new car from Benitez during their Christmas Party.
Meanwhile, the winners of five motorbikes were Ruben Centeno of Barangay Estefania, Melody Garde of Barangay Taculing, Vicky Esmerez of Barangay Granada, Arnilo Ansit of Barangay Alijis, and Jacob Guapin of Barangay Mansilingan.
In his message, Benitez is hoping that Bacolodnons will have a better 2023, after suffering from the ill effects of the pandemic for two years.