By CESAR JOLITO III
As he begins his third and final term, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called on public and private sectors to make every moment count and to continue building a province grounded in unity, good governance and lasting progress.
“We shall bring this province ever closer to its ideal — not as it has been, but in fulfillment of what it is called to become,” Lacson said during his oath of office as governor at the Provincial Capitol on Saturday night, June 28.
In his inaugural address, Lacson reflected on the honor and responsibility bestowed upon him by the Negrenses, emphasizing that his leadership will continue to be rooted in integrity, service and collective aspirations.
“I stand before you with deep humility, conscious of the weight of the mandate renewed, and the responsibilities that come with this,” he said.
Lacson also reported on his administration’s achievements over the past terms, which include the construction of hospitals and schools, the protection of farmers, the strengthening of health systems, and the transformation of the province’s digital infrastructure.
Lacson proudly noted that nearly 80 percent of local health systems are now integrated under a unified province-wide health system, with further plans to enhance three sub-provincial health systems.
The governor also praised the provincial government’s recognition at the regional level for outstanding performance in institutionalizing Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) for Health.
He affirmed the upcoming opening of the Negros Occidental DRRM Training Center as a key step in improving preparedness and saving lives.
Lacson expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, outgoing Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, district representatives, local chief executives, and partner organizations for their unwavering support and collaboration.
“Without such collaboration, this administration would not have been as effective and responsive in meeting the needs of our people,” Lacson said.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Vice Governor-elect Jose Benito Alonso, together with newly and re-elected members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, also took their oath during the inauguration ceremony.
The inauguration was attended by key national and local officials, civil society partners, and fellow Negrenses.
The ceremony was also graced by Senator Kiko Pangilinan and his wife, megastar Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, who performed several songs during the event.
Meanwhile, Pangilinan expressed his gratitude towards the support from Lacson and the Negrenses in his senatorial campaign in the May 12 midterm elections.
“It’s a gesture of our appreciation for the support of the Negrenses. I won big here. I was No. 5,” Pangilinan said.
“Therefore, it’s an opportunity also to come back and thank the Negrenses,” he added. /CJ, WDJ