By JEN BAYLON
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s significant emphasis on agriculture and food security during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22.
In a statement, Lacson said he was delighted when Marcos mentioned the importance of agriculture in his SONA, noting that Negros Occidental is one of the country’s top agricultural provinces.
“It is heartening to hear the President’s genuine concern for the importance of agriculture, especially in relation to the local production of palay,” Lacson said.
Marcos pointed out the need to strengthen the sector’s technical and financial support, control prices through price ceilings, improve irrigation, ensure food security, expand crop insurance, and advance land reform.
He also praised the President’s recognition of the agriculture sector’s contributions to the national economy, and the government’s efforts to ensure food security.
Lacson believes that Marcos’ emphasis on agriculture will bring benefits to Negros Occidental, citing the potential for increased economic growth and development in the sector.
“Along with heightened efforts against smuggling to protect local farmers and the local economy, and enhanced disaster response, particularly in the face of climate change, I am certain this will have a positive impact on Negros Occidental,” Lacson said.
He also commended the government’s focus on securing farmers and agricultural workers, as well as programs that support their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Lacson said Marcos’ initiatives for other sectors’ concerns are “welcome developments,” including the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“The applause from the entire Batasang Pambansa for the President’s banning of POGOs reveals the temper of the times and the clamor of the entire country and the Filipino people on these monumental issues,” Lacson said.
Among other concerns mentioned in the SONA are lowered electricity costs, public-private partnerships as a crucial funding mechanism for big-ticket projects, the enhanced protection for overseas Filipino workers, the reduction of poverty, the improved peace and order, and the bloodless war on drugs./JB, WDJ