BACOLOD CITY – Outgoing Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez underscored the economic growth of Bacolod in the past three years, saying that he is turning over a highly urbanized city that is “competitive, rising, and ready to lead.”

“And as Bacolod grows, so will our numbers – bigger and better than ever,” he said during his final State-of-the-City Address at the Government Center grounds Wednesday night.

Benitez, who will shift to legislative duties as the city’s lone district representative by noon on June 30, said this year, Bacolod has breached the all-time high of P4 billion in the general fund in the annual budget.

He told outgoing Rep. Greg Gasataya, his successor and political ally, that he is “inheriting a city prepared for growth.”

“In fact, our city treasurer estimates that we will collect at least P700 million in real property taxes next year – a number we can increase to P2 billion once our digital system is fully in place,” he added.

Last month, Bacolod rose 20 ranks – from 538th to 518th – in the 2025 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index.

The city was also recognized as an “emerging standout” in five key areas: Economics, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance.

Benitez called it “a recognition earned because we’re performing where it matters most.”

The outgoing mayor reported more than P100 billion in investments and 30,000 jobs created, making Bacolod the leader in township projects in Western Visayas.

He also cited the city’s strong investment in skills development, affordable living, good education, accessible healthcare, and its 29th rank in environment for its eco-tourism potential.

“For quality of life, Bacolod remains a place where you can work, live, and rest well, with affordable living, good schools, and accessible healthcare,” he said.

Benitez said in serving his first term as mayor, his administration has checked all the boxes for his eight-point agenda, focusing on clean governance, improvement and construction of city roads, removal of spaghetti wires, peace and order, re-organization of City Hall to increase efficiency, installation of solar streetlights, forging partnerships for the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program, and improvement of public markets.

“Having set our foundation and formulated the blueprint, we are now building Bacolod’s future as a ‘super city’ that is inclusive, progressive, and with better quality of life,” he added.

Benitez said the five key pillars – innovation, inclusivity, sustainability, mobility, and culture – serve as the foundation of Bacolod in becoming a “super city.”