TWO top officials of Negros Occidental, along with some Board Members and congresmen, have shown forces in support to the candidacy of Javier Miguel “Javie” Benitez as mayor of Victorias City.

Speaking in front of about 15,000 crowd during Benitez and his team’s campaign opening salvo at Hacienda Luisa, Barangay 13 in Victorias City on Thursday night, March 24, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer publicly expressed their endorsement to the son of former Third District congressman Alfredo Benitez.

Lacson and Ferrer thanked those who attended the activity, asking them to support the younger Benitez and the entire Team Asenso Victoriahanon in the May 9, 2022 elections.

Also present to show support to his candidacy were his uncle, Third District Representive Francisco Benitez, Board Members Manuel Frederick Ko, Andrew Montelibano and Juvy Pepello, Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano, Bacolod Congressman Greg Gasataya and some fellow Team Asenso Bacolod members.

The younger Benitez said it is in his blood to serve the people of Victorias City.

“But aside from this, I also have a brighter vision anchored on clear plans that can really be achieved for all,” he said, adding that he dreamed of a dignified human settlement for the people.

The mayoral aspirant is also pushing for alternative income sources for the residents, diversified economy, education for all, universal healthcare, and a government that can adapt to changes in order to deliver the basic services to the people.

Benitez also underscored the use of technology that had been proved to be important in continuing the delivery of government services, especially during this coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“But all of these will not be realized if only few are pushing for it, it calls for unity,” he said, adding that “no matter how long the planning is, no matter how big the resources are, if without the cooperation of everyone, it will be useless.”

Unity is the scaffolding for communal development, Benitez said.

“Life is short, and the best time to act is now. Now that we are able and available,” he said.

Amid the heavy downpour, his father, who is running for mayor of Bacolod City, endorsed him in front of drenched supporters.

"Come sun or rain, I will support you, son!" his father told him.

The younger Benitez, in his Facebook post after the event, said, "this is how it ended. Not how we expected, but certainly a night I'll never forget."

"I'd like to say thank you to everyone who came and sorry that Bamboo and Brownman Revival weren't able to perform due to the heavy rain," he said, adding that "my only wish right now is that all of you are safe with your loved ones.”

The festive opening salvo dubbed “Sidlak para sa Masanag nga Buas Damlag,” also showcased local talents and performances of guests including Manila-based singer Jay-R Siaboc.