MEMBERS of the 12th Council of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod have formed a total of 33 standing committees and named their respective chairpersons during its inaugural session on Wednesday afternoon, July 2, 2025.
The council agreed that Councilor Al Victor Espino would retain his post as floor leader of the 12th Council for 2025 to 2028.
Espino also retained his chairmanship of the committees on Education, Laws, Ordinances and Good Governance, and Urban Planning, Development and Basic Facilities.
Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson also retained his chairmanship of the committees on Agriculture and Fisheries, Appropriation and Finance, and Cooperatives and Livelihood Programs.
Councilor Roberto Rojas will lead the committees on Energy and Public Utilities, and Trade, Commerce and Industry. Councilor Homer Bais chairs the committees on Environment and Ecology, and Slaughterhouse/Veterinary Services.
Councilor Psyche Marie Sy retained her chairmanship of the committees on Fire and Disaster Management, Police Security and Jail, and Public Works and General Services.
Councilor Caesar Distrito will lead the committees on Government Assets, Human Resource and Development, Ways and Means, and PWD Affairs.
Councilor Em Ang chairs the committees on Health and Sanitation, and Culture and Arts. Councilor Jason Villarosa also retained his chairmanship of the committees on Tourism and Local, National and International Cooperation, and Information and Communication Technology.
Councilor Israel Salanga is now the chairperson of the committees on Labor, Management Relations and Overseas, and Social Services and Development. Councilor Celia Matea Flor retained her chairmanship of the committees on Market, Senior Citizens, and Women, Gender, and Family and Childcare.
Councilor Dindo Ramos will now lead the committees on Transportation and Traffic, Urban Poor, and Housing and Resettlement. Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr. will also lead the committees on Human Rights, and Veterans and History.
Councilor Lady Gles Gonzales Pallen, Association of Barangay Captains president, will lead the committee on Barangay Affairs, while Councilor Danna Marie Barzo, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president, will also lead the committee on Youth, SK Affairs, and Sports Development.
Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella will also lead the committee on Legislative/Executive Conference Liaison.
Mayor Greg Gasataya also appeared in the inaugural session and presented his staff, including Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marty Go, City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu, City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo, Atty. Reuben Sabig (head of the city’s traffic management), and executive assistants Arlene Memoria, Jovelyn Dato-on, Ayesha Villaflor, Atty. Rhett Demonteverde, April Rose Mayo, Patrick Lacson, Angelo Angolo, Richard Chiu, Jan Paulo Aguila, Leo Bentinganan, Peping Villanueva, Levy Pangue, Aaron Bais, Atty. Carlos Auxtero III, Ricky Malala, Princess Ella Olmilla, and Jonathan Diaz.
The mayor underscored the importance of unified governance and pledged the administration’s full support to the City Council.
“My commitment to each and every one of you is clear. We are offering true partnership to the legislative branch. That is why I am directing all departments, executive assistants, and the entire executive branch to provide full support to the City Council in terms of their legislation. No ifs, no buts. Let’s help them, so they can deliver the best policies for the people of Bacolod,” Gasataya said. (MAP)