BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental’s Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has called for a safer, more inclusive, and progressive province during an executive briefing on the State of Governance and Development Situation.
In his address to provincial officials at the Negros Residences last week, Lacson urged unity in pursuing inclusive growth and meaningful development.
“Let us strive for a province that is safer, more inclusive, and progressive. It is time that in Negros Occidental, progress is felt by those who have the least — because if it is not felt, then we have fallen short of building a just and inclusive society for our constituents,” he said.
The governor emphasized that inclusive growth must bring real improvements to the quality of life of every Negrense.
“This is the kind of development we should aim for, because as elected officials, this is the kind of future we owe to our fellow Negrenses,” he added.
For his part, Vice Gov. Jose Benito Alonso, in a welcome message, reaffirmed the provincial leadership’s commitment to serve under a renewed mandate.
“New term, new mandate from our electorate: to serve our Negrosanons the best we can. Today’s executive briefing will set the tone for the priority programs of Negros Occidental for the next three years — what services will be prioritized, how and when these services will be delivered, and who may avail of them,” he said.
Alonso expressed confidence in the provincial government’s ability to reach new heights through unity, cooperation, and open communication.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay, who also serves as acting regional director for the DILG-Negros Island Region (NIR), highlighted the importance of the executive briefing as a platform for policy makers to share insights, discuss pressing issues, and formulate sound solutions.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II, meanwhile, presented the Provincial Development Agenda, anchored on the Abanse Negrense development framework. Key programs include the Bulk Water and Septage Project, the ZERO Open Defecation initiative, the Community-Based Nutrition Program, as well as projects on land banking, housing and resettlement, and the construction of evacuation centers.
The activity, initiated by the DILG in coordination with the Office of the Provincial Administrator and the Provincial Planning and Development Office, was conducted in compliance with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-016, which mandates a formal turnover for incoming local officials — including briefings on governance performance, key challenges, and ongoing programs.
A workshop followed the briefing, where Provincial Board members, mayors, and other local officials formed district-based groups to identify common issues in their communities and recommend solutions.
Key concerns raised include access to safe drinking water, sanitation, malnutrition, poverty, flooding, and risks posed by Mount Kanlaon. Participants shared their experiences, identified common challenges, and proposed actionable recommendations.
Local chief executives also outlined their respective plans to align with and support the provincial government’s agenda.
Pulupandan’s Mayor Miguel Antonio Peña, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Negros Occidental Chapter, expressed strong support for the initiative.
“The executive briefing is a way for us to create a comprehensive and inclusive roadmap that addresses the core needs of our province and our respective local government units. This will improve social services, strengthen disaster preparedness and management, expand access to quality education, promote peace and order, secure our food systems, protect the environment, enhance infrastructure, and stimulate economic growth,” Peña said.
Cadiz City’s Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., president of the Association of Chief Executives of Negros Occidental, delivered the closing remarks.
“This briefing is not merely a presentation of plans or performance indicators. It is a bold and necessary reflection on where we are as local government units, where we need to be, and what we must do to get there,” he said.
Escalante further acknowledged the gaps between ideal standards and on-the-ground realities, emphasizing the opportunity for innovation and alignment./PN
