By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan is gearing up for its inaugural session on July 8, following a caucus held on Tuesday, July 1, to finalize key preparations and committee assignments.

According to Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso, the upcoming session will formally open the new term of the provincial board and is expected to be highlighted by the first State of the Province Address (SOPA) of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson for this term.

One of the key agenda items during the session is the approval of committee chairmanships, which were already discussed and outlined during the caucus.

These roles are critical in shaping legislative priorities across various sectors in the province.

Among the notable developments is the expected appointment of Board Member Marxlen dela Cruz of the 1st District as chairperson of the Committee on Budget and Finance, widely regarded as one of the most demanding and influential committees.

While the Budget and Finance Committee is often viewed as a “powerful” body due to its oversight on provincial appropriations and fiscal matters, Dela Cruz emphasized that he is open to any assignment.

“I’m just making myself available. We don’t get to choose what we’re given, but I’m willing to serve wherever I’m needed,” he said.

The provincial board also welcomes a fresh slate of first-time board members, including Arthur Christopher Marañon (2nd District), Atty. Hope Marey Depasucat (3rd District), Paula Alonso (4th District), Hadji Trujillo (5th District), and Genaro “Ralph” Alvarez (6th District)./CJ, WDJ