Twenty-one national government agencies with offices in Western Visayas and all the mayors of Negros Occidental’s Third District committed their full support to Congressman Alfredo Benitez’ IHELP priority programs for 2018 and 2019 in a Strategic Planning session held March 8-9 in Tagaytay City.

Only in Negros Occidental's Metro 3rd - the gathering of national agency heads and local executives for synergy, collaboration, convergence and cooperation through the efforts of the House representative.

The two-day marathon meeting attended by regional directors and heads included identification of priorities with budgets for 2018-2019 and dialogue to reach mutual agreements on critical points for convergence. This is Cong. Benitez’ second planning session with national agencies, the first was in 2015.

Committing to strengthen the push for IHELP and ASENSO in Metro 3rd with Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares, Silay Mayor Mark Golez, Cong. Albee, Victorias Mayor Wantan Palanca, EBM Mayor Marvin Malacon, and Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano's representative Isidoro Rodriogazo.

All thumbs up for major infrastructure programs after the presentation of the Department of Public Works and Highways led by Regional Director Engr. Wenceslao Leano and District Engineer Jaime Javellana.

Dr. Kiko Benitez made a synthesis of his observations underscoring the best practices as well as areas for improvement highlighted during the planning process.

Director Atty. Anthony Nuyda, CESO III presenting the Department of Interior and Local Government programs for the Third District.

Leading the discussion, Cong. Benitez also presented his big ticket programs under Infrastructure, Health and Housing, Education and Environment, Livelihood, and Policy or Legislation. Interacting to all the presentations were Victorias Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Silay Mayor Mark Golez, Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares and representing Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano was Punong Barangay Isidoro Rodrigazo who is also consultant for Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Also present was Dr. Jose Francisco Benitez, president of the Philippine Women’s University and younger brother of Congressman Benitez.

Agencies who attended included National Economic Development Authority, Department of Public Works & Highways, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, National Irrigation Administration, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government. Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Housing Authority, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Administration, Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Ports Authority, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Energy, Department of Trade and Industry, Sugar Regulatory Administration, Commission on Higher Education. Also represented was the office of Abang Lingkod Partylist Representative Stephen Paduano.*