BY MERLINDA A. PEDROSA
Mayor Greg Gasataya has unveiled a long-term roadmap aimed at transforming Bacolod into a more inclusive, resilient, and progressive city, saying his administration’s HEART+MORE agenda will serve as the blueprint for delivering programs that improve the lives of every Bacolodnon.
In his first State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Bacolod City Government Center on July 8, Gasataya said his vision is centered on providing every family with better opportunities, quality public services, and a higher standard of living through people-centered governance.
“Our vision is a Bacolod where every family has access to quality services, greater opportunities, and a better quality of life. The HEART+MORE agenda is our commitment to deliver programs that truly matter to every Bacolodnon,” the mayor said.
The HEART agenda stands for Health; Education, Economic and Environmental Sustainability; Access to Basic Services, Agriculture, Animal Welfare, Technology and Housing; Reliability of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; and Traffic Management, Transportation and Tourism—the key sectors that Gasataya said will shape the city’s development in the coming years.
The mayor emphasized that the agenda goes beyond infrastructure projects and focuses on creating lasting improvements in healthcare, education, public services, environmental protection, economic opportunities, and disaster resilience.
A major highlight of his address was the launch of the G-App, a digital platform designed to make government services more accessible and efficient for residents.
Gasataya also stressed that his administration would remain focused on governance rather than politics.
“When you gave me the mandate last year to serve as your mayor, I told you that politics was over. I don’t care about politics anymore. Whether you support me or not in the next election, I will continue to do what is right for Bacolod City,” he said.
To demonstrate the impact of the HEART+MORE agenda, the mayor presented accomplishments across the city’s priority sectors.
In healthcare, he reported that the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program has already covered P147.84 million in hospital expenses, while thousands of residents have benefited from medical assistance, cancer care, HIV awareness campaigns, and free anti-rabies vaccination programs.
The city has likewise strengthened education initiatives by distributing free school supplies, school bags, and P.E. uniforms to more than 111,000 public kindergarten and elementary pupils, while continuing scholarship assistance, digital skills training, and youth employment programs.
Gasataya also highlighted environmental initiatives, including expanded waste management, tree-planting activities, flood mitigation projects, and the Waste-to-Energy development initiative, saying these programs are intended to build a greener and more climate-resilient Bacolod.
To stimulate economic growth, the city has streamlined business registration through the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) Express Lane, expanded livelihood and employment opportunities, and strengthened investment promotion efforts.
The administration has also improved access to government services by expanding G-Serve, enhancing social services for senior citizens, digitizing transactions through QR codes and electronic kiosks, and introducing the G-App.
Gasataya reported continued investments in disaster preparedness, including desilting and clearing operations, flood control projects, emergency response equipment, and additional ambulances for the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
He also outlined several major infrastructure projects that he said would shape Bacolod’s future, including the rehabilitation of the Old City Hall, construction of the new Legislative Building, City Coliseum, City Health Complex, DRRMO Command Center, tourism facilities, housing projects, traffic modernization, and the proposed Philippine Science High School campus.
Calling for unity, Gasataya urged Bacolodnons to work together in realizing the city’s long-term vision.
“We are doing the best we can for Bacolod City. It’s nothing personal, it’s all work for all of us. If we continue working together, I know we will become even stronger,” he said.
The mayor also announced that the P3-million budget originally allocated for this year’s SOCA would instead be donated to charitable institutions, underscoring his administration’s commitment to public service and community welfare./MAP, WDJ