By Monday, a younger administration will be at the helm of the Negros Occidental provincial government. After local political parties united ahead of last month’s midterm elections, the province elected Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson as governor and former Fourth District Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer as vice governor.
This week, the two will take their respective oaths of office with intentions to bring forth aggressive yet down-to-earth governance in order to ensure the province moves forward with policies beneficial to all.
Lacson’s nine years as vice governor has provided ample exposure to what is best for Negros Occidental. His clean and professional record has sprouted harmonious camaraderie and a cohesive work climate among the Negros Occidental Provincial Board. Meanwhile, Ferrer has proven himself to be a productive city mayor and congressman.
There is still more to be done and both are expected to perform beyond the traditional practices of government. At the same time, local residents are also looking for them to be innovators, especially in tourism development.
Negros Occidental voters also expect efficient governance over local government units, where the delivery of basic services should also be a point of focus for innovation.
Traffic safety also needs to be enhanced and programs must be implemented to bring order to the provinces roadways.
Oftentimes, such lack of order cannot be blamed on local officials and it needs to be elevated to the provincial level in order to find creative ways for local administration to improve their ways.
This is a moment for the new provincial administration to bring forth advancement to Negros Occidental.

***
This column greets Mayors Neil E. Lizares, Mark J. Golez, Nicholas Yulo, Bebot Mirasol, Pedro Zayco, Marvin Malacon, Wantan Palanca, and Felipe Remollo; Negros Oriental Governor Roel Ragay Degamo; Senators Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa; Iloilo Governor Toto Defensor; and Congresswoman Juliet Marie Ferrer/WDJ