By CESAR JOLITO III

In a joint effort to promote integrity and moral renewal in public service, Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez spearheaded an initiative to hold a series of retreats and recollections for city officials and employees, in partnership with local church leaders.

Benitez recently met with Fr. Aniceto “Mao” Buenafe Jr., Fr. Armando “Arman” Onion, Fr. Filomeno “Menong” Duaban, and Fr. Hermes “Mench” Fabio to discuss issues surrounding corruption, moral recovery, and the city’s ongoing challenges such as flooding.

Joining the meeting were Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella and City Councilors Caesar Distrito, Thaddy Sayson, Celia Flor, and Al Espino, who all expressed support for the moral recovery and good governance campaign.

According to Benitez, the initiative aims to address not only systemic corruption but also the moral decay that weakens public trust in government.

“It all boils down to the individual,” he said, emphasizing that the responsibility to uphold integrity lies not only with elected officials but also with government employees and ordinary citizens.

The first session of the moral recovery and good governance retreat is set for the second week of November this year.

Attendance will be limited to 20 participants per batch, beginning with city officials and followed by sessions for employees.

Benitez said the program builds on his earlier meeting with Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines President Cardinal Ambo David as part of his wider effort to strengthen moral values and transparency in governance.

“This is not just about fighting corruption — it’s about rebuilding trust and conscience in public service,” Benitez added./CJ, WDJ