BACOLOD City – Newly elected Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and his wife, megastar Sharon Cuneta, graced the inauguration and oath-taking ceremonies of Negros Occidental’s newly elected officials held on June 28 at the Capitol Social Hall.
Pangilinan said their presence in the province was a gesture of appreciation for the overwhelming support of Negrenses during the May 12 national and local elections, where he ranked No. 5 in the senatorial race in the province.
He reaffirmed his commitment to agriculture, the core of his campaign platform, and emphasized his focus on food security.
“We will work to bring down food prices by supporting our farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.
The inauguration was led by re-elected Gov. Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson, newly elected Vice Gov. Joeben Alonso, and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
Gov. Lacson took his oath before Regional Trial Court Judge Amy Alabado-Avellano, while Judge Conrado Estreller Jr. administered the oaths of the vice governor and SP members.
In his inaugural address, Gov. Lacson announced the upcoming opening of the Negros Occidental Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Training Center, a key initiative aimed at fostering a culture of disaster preparedness and saving lives across the province.
“As I begin this final term, I do so with full awareness of the impermanence of public office. Time humbles us — but it also calls us to make each moment count, to serve with purpose and resolve,” said Lacson, who is now serving his third and final term as governor.
He reminded fellow public servants that leadership should be measured not by its length, but by its impact: “Public office is never about how long we serve, but how meaningfully we do so.”
He further stressed the importance of principled governance.
“We must serve not merely to fulfill our agenda, but to pass the torch — to foster a tradition of governance that is God-centered, compassionate, competent, and grounded in integrity. When citizens trust their government, unity becomes possible—and in that unity, true and lasting progress is achieved,” he said.
Gov. Lacson also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the SP, led by outgoing Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, who now serves as congressman of the 4th District of Negros Occidental, for their unwavering support of the executive programs and the timely enactment of critical ordinances./PN
