By GLAZYL MASCULINO and PNA

BACOLOD CITY – 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.

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.

“The President’s SONA covered a wider range of programs of his administration. From health to Love Bus to flood control. We all can see that he is doing his part in his last three years in office. We’re hoping these can all be implemented properly,” he added.

Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson welcomed the President’s pronouncement, particularly on the audit and review of the flood control projects implemented during his administration.

“We’re hopeful when he said he will be strict on these projects. This is timely with what is happening now,” Sayson said, referring to the recent weather disturbances that caused flooding in several parts of the country, including Bacolod.

Councilor Caesar Distrito said the President’s message came from the heart and addressed the everyday concerns of the ordinary Filipinos.

Among these are the zero balance billing in government hospitals and the P20 per kilo rice, he added.

Benitez reaffirmed his support for the Marcos administration as an independent lawmaker.

“I will serve as an independent member of the House –fully supportive of the President and committed to encouraging broader support for his leadership,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlungsod is advancing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response by turning the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) into a full-fledged department.

Distrito recently filed a proposed ordinance to establish the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (BCDRRMD).

The measure aligns with national guidelines set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (NDRRMC), Department of Budget Management (DBM), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Civil Service Commission (CSC) Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2014-1.

Co-authored by Councilors Celia Flor and Em Ang, the ordinance aims to expand the agency’s organizational structure, increase personnel, and boost operational capabilities.

The goal is to better equip the city in responding to emergencies and managing disaster risks.

Distrito stressed the urgency of the initiative, pointing to the growing population of this highly-urbanized city and vulnerability to natural calamities.

“It’s crucial that we institutionalize a stronger, better-equipped, and fully staffed DRRM department that can respond swiftly and efficiently to emergencies,” he said in a statement.