By JEN BAYLON

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will deliver his State of the Provincial Address (SOPA) at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall this afternoon.

Provincial Legal Office head Atty. Alberto Nellas, Jr. said Lacson is expected to highlight the achievements and projects of his administration in the past year.

SOPA will be attended by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and department heads of the provincial capitol, after the provincial board’s regular session.

Nellas said that SOPA may cover upcoming provincial government projects aimed at assisting local government units and addressing the needs of the residents affected by recent calamities.

Last year’s SOPA emphasized the advancement of agriculture in Negros Occidental, targeting food security.

However, the goal faced significant challenges due to the rapid spread of African swine fever last year, the impact of El Niño on agriculture, the recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon, and the infestations of armyworms./JB, WDJ