Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla expressed optimism about Bacolod’s potential to become a leading city in the Philippines following the inauguration of new officials. Remulla administered the oath of office to incoming mayor Greg Gasataya at the Government Center grounds on Saturday night, praising his leadership qualities.
“You deserve a person like Greg to lead the city. Bacolod will lead the country one day. You have everything it takes to lead the country. Congratulations to the City of Bacolod; you have elected fine gentlemen to the council, to the mayorship, and to Congress,” Remulla stated.
Remulla highlighted Gasataya’s humble beginnings, describing him as “a son of a driver who dared to dream.” Before becoming mayor, Gasataya served three terms as the representative of the city’s lone district and held roles as vice mayor and councilor.
During the turnover rites, Remulla witnessed the exchange of responsibilities between outgoing Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Gasataya. Benitez handed over the key to Bacolod City, while the outgoing congressman entrusted the seal of the House of Representatives to his successor.
In his inaugural address, Gasataya outlined that the first 100 days of his administration will be guided by the word “heart,” representing a commitment to serve with actionable solutions based on empathy, integrity, and compassion.
Gasataya also emphasized priorities such as sports development, urgent executive orders, market improvements, education initiatives, transparency in government services, and drug testing for job order workers.
“We begin this journey with a clear purpose, firm resolve, and a heart full of hope. In 100 days, we may not accomplish everything, but we can surely prove that we are serious about change – and even more serious about our people,” he concluded.
