By Mae Singuay

Councilor Israel Salanga, the second highest-ranking Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) member, was designated as acting mayor from September 13 to 17.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez issued the designation yesterday, based on Memorandum No. 161.

Benitez, along with Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, nine city council members, five department heads and his private secretary Mia Pratt, will be on official travel to attend the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong.

The city councilors who will be with Benitez are Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Cindy Roxas, Al Victor Espino, Vladimir Gonzales, Celia Flor, Jason Villarosa, Renecito Novero, Simplicia Distrito, and Lady Gles Pallen.

The department heads were City Planning and Development Office head Mary Jean Ramos, city treasurer Arlene Memoria, budget office head Maria Imelda Williams, city accountant Atty. Jeremae Ann Ceriaco, City Engineer’s Office head Engineer Loben Rafael Ceballos, and city investment officer Mae Llamas.

They will return to the city on Monday, September 18.

Benitez said the purpose of the travel abroad is to promote the city.

“Indi kita maghulat nga ang investors ang magkadto diri. Kadtuan naton ang investors nga magkadto sila sa Bacolod para mas damo ang employment, mag-uswag kag ma-develop ang siyudad, kag isa ini ang Belt and Road Summit,” Benitez said.

SP member Em Ang was designated by the Department of Interior and Local Government as acting vice mayor effective on the said dates./MS, WDJ