Mayor Gasataya Delivers First SOCA, Unveils HEART+MORE Agenda for a Stronger Bacolod

Mayor Greg Gasataya presented the accomplishments of his first year in office, anchored on the HEART+MORE governance agenda, during his first State of the City Address (SOCA) held at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Mayor Gasataya highlighted the city’s achievements in Health, Education, Environment and Economic Growth, Accessibility to Basic Services, Resilience and Responsive Governance, and Tourism and Sports, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and people-centered governance.

A key highlight of the address was the launch of the G-App, a mobile application that provides residents with seamless access to city government services.

“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 stressed.

Under the Health pillar, the mayor reported expanded medical and social services, including the Cancer Care Program, Medical Assistance Program, Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BACCHP), intensified HIV awareness campaigns, wheelchair distribution, and strengthened veterinary and animal health services.

Records show that a total of Php147,844,388.42 in hospital expenses has been covered under the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program.

The City Health Office also reported that 10,484 animal bite victims received free anti-rabies vaccinations following the issuance of Executive Order No. 59, which institutionalized the free anti-rabies vaccination program at the City Health Office.

Meanwhile, the City Veterinary Office recorded 59,314 dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies.

For Education, the city continued to invest in learners through the distribution of free school supplies, school bags, and P.E. uniforms, scholarship assistance, the free graduation program of Bacolod City College, expanded summer job opportunities, the Elevate AIDA digital skills program, and the establishment of Bacolod G-Hive to support the city’s growing creative industry.

This year, the city distributed free school supplies and bags to more than 111,000 public kindergarten and elementary students, while high school students received free school bags and P.E. uniforms. The city also allocated funds for free school bags and P.E. uniforms for approximately 9,000 Bacolod City students enrolled at Negros Occidental High School.

On Environment, Mayor Gasataya highlighted initiatives promoting sustainability and climate resilience, including the G-LANE and G-Barrier programs, tree-planting activities, the SPROUT food security initiative, artificial reef projects, strengthened garbage collection services, improvements to the city’s sanitary landfill, the Waste-to-Energy development initiative, and enhanced waste management systems.

The city currently disposes of an average of 626 tons of garbage, equivalent to 78 truckloads, at the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa each day.

Mayor Gasataya also disclosed that he met with Victorias City Mayor JunB Bantug to discuss the latter’s request to dispose of 6 to 8 cubic meters of residual waste at Bacolod’s sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa. However, Mayor Bantug later withdrew the request after further assessment, as stated in a letter addressed to Mayor Gasataya. The matter was subsequently referred to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for appropriate action.

“In our discussion this morning I hope the relationship between both LGUs won’t be affected with our mutual discussion,” he said. The mayor also emphasized the city’s efforts to stimulate economic growth through faster business services, including the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) Express Lane, investment promotion, employment facilitation, livelihood programs, expanded job fairs, support for ambulant vendors through special permits, and initiatives that continue to generate jobs and business opportunities.

To improve accessibility to government services, the administration expanded G-Serve, strengthened programs for senior citizens and social pension beneficiaries, enhanced G-Merkado, established the Youth Lounge, and improved frontline services through the Bacolod Economic and Social Enterprise (BESE) and other city offices.

To strengthen disaster resilience, the city invested in earthquake and fire drills, flood mitigation projects, desilting and clearing operations, and the procurement of additional ambulances and emergency response equipment for the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

Data from the City Engineer’s Office–Motorpool Division showed that 12,327 tons of silt and trash, equivalent to 5,332 truckloads, were removed through massive desilting and clearing operations in various rivers and creeks across the city from October 2025 to June 2026.

On Responsive Governance, Mayor Gasataya reported improvements in public safety through expanded CCTV coverage, stronger coordination with the Bacolod City Police Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection, digitization of government services through QR codes and the OBO E-Kiosk, strengthened accountability mechanisms, employee welfare programs, strategic partnerships, and continuous monitoring of commitments made during his inaugural address.

The mayor also cited accomplishments in Tourism and Sports, highlighting the successful staging of festivals, increased support for athletes, sports tourism initiatives, and preparations for major events, including the hosting of this year’s Batang Pinoy and the Metro Manila Film Festival in December.

The City Tourism Office recorded more than 873,000 tourist arrivals in 2025, reflecting the continued growth of Bacolod’s tourism sector.

Mayor Gasataya likewise outlined major infrastructure and development projects, including the completion of the rehabilitation of the Old City Hall, construction of the new Legislative Building, DRRMO Command Center, City Coliseum, City Health Complex, BUCAS Plus facilities, TIEZA-assisted tourism projects, cemetery improvements, football field development, modernization of traffic signal systems, Bacolod City General Hospital enhancements, emergency hotline upgrades including 911 integration, the Alangilan Tree Park, expansion of street lighting, the proposed Philippine Science High School campus, pickleball courts, mobile library services, housing initiatives, emergency outposts, a centralized motor pool and warehouse, the Megaworld Police Station, and a digital tracking system for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

Throughout the address, video presentations, statistical reports, project updates, and accomplishment highlights provided the public with a comprehensive overview of the city’s progress.

Concluding his address, Mayor Gasataya called on every Bacolodnon to continue working together toward building a stronger, more resilient, and more progressive city.

“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.

He also announced that the supposed Php3 million budget for this year’s SOCA would instead be allocated as donations to various charitable institutions.

“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 added.

Present during the mayor’s SOCA were Congressman Albee Benitez, Vice Mayor Jesus Claudio Puentevella, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, barangay officials, city department heads, and other stakeholders.* (Bacolod City Communications Office)