BACOLOD. Negros Occidental Third District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez spearheaded the inauguration ceremony for six newly completed infrastructure projects in Victorias City on April 14, 2026. This significant event marks a major step forward in bolstering local infrastructure to improve community resilience and accessibility.
Key Projects Unveiled
The inauguration highlighted a diverse array of infrastructure developments designed to address critical needs across multiple barangays. The projects include the Multi-Purpose Building and Evacuation Center in Barangay XIV, the Nasipunan-Gloria Bridge in Barangay XII, the Rehabilitation of Santa Cruz Bridge in Barangay XX, and Multi-Purpose Buildings in Barangay III, V, and VI-A. Each initiative has been tailored to enhance public safety, mobility, and communal spaces.
Strengthening Disaster Response and Public Services
Representative Benitez emphasized that this infrastructure rollout is strategically aimed at strengthening mobility, disaster preparedness, and public facilities across key barangays in Victorias. The event was attended by Victorias City Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, Vice Mayor Derek Palanca, city councilors, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, department heads, and barangay health workers, underscoring broad community support.
Detailed Project Highlights
Multi-Purpose Building/Evacuation Center in Barangay XIV: This two-story facility serves as a dedicated evacuation center equipped with a healthcare clinic and Sangguniang Kabataan Hall. With a total floor area of 146.3 square meters and a height of 7.28 meters from natural ground level to the roof apex, it significantly strengthens local disaster response capacity while expanding access to essential services.
Nasipunan–Gloria Bridge in Barangay XII: Replacing a previously unsafe crossing, this 29-meter reinforced concrete structure ensures uninterrupted mobility. The project includes comprehensive civil works such as foundations, girders, deck slab, railings, slope protection, drainage, and approach roads, facilitating smoother transport for residents and agricultural goods.
Rehabilitation of Santa Cruz Bridge in Barangay XX: This 8.2-meter-long, two-lane bridge with a width of 6.1 meters underwent enhancements including asphalt overlay, reflectorized thermoplastic markings, and the construction of stone masonry and gabions to reinforce durability and commuter safety.
Covered Court Rehabilitation in Barangay VI-A: The existing covered court was rehabilitated, featuring a 480-square-meter slab and a height of 9.28 meters from natural ground level to the roof apex. Improvements focused on the stage and bleachers to enhance its function as a versatile community venue.
Covered Court Upgrade in Barangay III: Another covered court was upgraded with a 480-square-meter playing surface and a 9.6-meter structural height. Key facilities, including the stage and bleachers, were strengthened to better support public gatherings and sports activities.
Expanded Covered Court Complex in Barangay V: Upgrades expanded the covered court complex with improvements to the stage and environmental office, alongside new covered bleachers, male and female toilets, a solar panel system, and auxiliary systems, creating a more functional and sustainable community space.
These projects collectively represent a substantial investment in Victorias City's infrastructure, aiming to foster a safer, more connected, and resilient community for all residents.
