Pagsaulog Sang Asenso Sa Ika-Tatlo Nga Distrito
Embrace the change and transformation for a better future..
Make ASENSO your goal, your way of life.
This was the core message of Congressman Alfredo Benitez to the more than 19,000 Asenso leaders from all over the Third District of Negros Occidental who braved the day-long downpour last December 20, 2018 and showcased their unity and commitment during the 2nd ASENSO Leaders Assembly held at the stadium oval grounds of the Rafael Lacson Memorial High School in Talisay City.
He also assured the leaders coming from the 115 barangays of the district that the work for progress and development in the Third District will continue as he urged all local government officials to carry on with the programs and services that he has started or improved and strengthened under the IHELP (inra-health-education-livelihood-policy-making) thrusts during his three terms (2010-2019) as Representative of the Third District.
Cong. Benitez advocated for the institutionalization of government programs and services to veer away from the traditional dependency of constituents on politicians and officials for aid. Through his effort and support, the Third District consistently led in the implementation of the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP) and consolidated resources for the district-wide implementation of the Burial Assistance Program. He also announced ongoing programs and legislative initiatives that he is pushing until the end of his term in June 2019.
Dr. Jose Francisco Bantug Benitez, younger brother of Cong. Benitez and currently president of the Philippine Women’s University, spoke to the leaders in the Assembly, and echoed the importance of the Asenso mind-set, highlighting values of hard work, dignity of labor and self-suffiency, as he assured them of full support for the IHELP programs that have made an impact on the lives of many residents of the district. He is running unopposed for the congressional seat of the Third District in the May 2019 mid-term election.
Mrs. Nikki Benitez, wife of Cong. Benitez, also witnessed the event.
Joining the Assembly to greet the leaders and also Cong. Benitez who celebrated his 52nd birthday on the same day were Negros Occ. Vice-Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Abang Lingkod Congressman Joseph Stephen Paduano, Board Member Frederick “Manman’ Ko, Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares, Victorias Mayor Francis Frederick ‘Wantan’ Palanca, Silay Mayor Mark Golez, and Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano.
Senatorial candidates Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, former PNP chief Ronald ‘Bato’ de la Roza, and Maguindanao Congressman Zahid Dong Mangudadatu came to speak to the leaders and greet Cong. Benitez.
Also present were Himamaylan Mayor Agustin Ernesto ‘Tinto’ Bascon and Valladolid Mayor Enrique Miravalles; Murcia Vice-Mayor Gerardo Rojas, Victorias VM Jerry Jover, Talisay VM Samuel Siote and incumbent councilors, as well as candidates of the District.
More than 2,000 raffle prizes were given to Asenso leaders – one-year (2019) supply of a sack of rice every month, grocery gift packs, ten television sets, five single motorcycles, three tricycles and two multi-cabs.
Providing entertainment were Channels 2 & 7 artist Sheree, Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition winner and ABS-CBN artist Ejay Falcon, GMA Studio artist JL Toleriza and actor-comedian Jason Gainza. Movie actor Gabby Concepcion who is among Cong. Benitez best friends in the showbiz circle flew in to surprise him.
Also launched during the program was the new Asenso Theme Song, “Saulugon Ang Asenso, an original composition and arrangement of local talent Rogie Bacosa with lyrics done by Jopy Plotria and Laarni Aguilar, that was performed by the Cali Island Band led by Angelo ‘ Deadman’ Gallardo, with a display of fireworks that capped the Assembly.*