By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The congressmen of Negros Occidental have vowed to support and work in coordination with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson’s second term in office following his inauguration over the weekend at the Provincial Capitol building.

Negros Occidental 3rd district Congressman Francisco “Kiko” Benitez has expressed optimism that Lacson would be able to put into place a recovery plan for the province, especially since the country is facing a possible recession due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Benitez said that Lacson particularly should focus on food security and digital transformation for a more diversified kind of economy.

“We still have problems with energy and issues in peace and order. I think that’s going to be addressed quite strongly by the governor in his next term. We just hope that Negros remains relatively peaceful and prosperous as it moves up in its trajectory with nicer and better things in the horizon,” Benitez said.

He also said that provinces should move towards stronger energy sufficiency, stronger tourism and perhaps a greater move towards a diversification of our economy.

“I’m sure Gov. Bong has shown in his term his competence in leading us forward,” he added.

Sixth district Congresswoman Merdes Alvarez, meanwhile, said she hopes that the Lacson administration will continue the same partnership and coordination with the national government, provincial government and local government units in the delivery of programs and projects.

Fifth district Congressman Emilio Dino Yulo also commented that he would work together with the provincial government, particularly the present thrust of the national government on agriculture.

“It is imperative and important to us to align all programs with the national government,” Yulo added./DGB, WDJ