By CESAR JOLITO III

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is calling for stronger unity among local leaders as efforts to revive leadership in the Negros Island Region (NIR) gain momentum.

Speaking during the turnover of leadership of the Negros Association of Chief Executives (ACE), Lacson urged newly elected president, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., to prioritize solidarity within the group.

Negros ACE is composed of all 32 mayors from Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.

“I told [Escalante] to keep Negros ACE united because when we are united, we can accomplish many things,” Lacson said in a message on Sunday, July 13.

The governor also reaffirmed the provincial government’s full support for ACE, which plays a key role in local governance, disaster response and regional cooperation.

Escalante, in his acceptance remarks on Friday, July 11, said one of his priorities is to initiate closer ties with local executives in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

He said the move aims to prepare the ground for a stronger and more cohesive NIR, a plan widely supported by Lacson.

“The idea of NIR can only succeed if we work as one island — united in purpose and direction,” Lacson said.

The push for the revival of the NIR has been gaining traction in recent years, with growing support from lawmakers, local government units and business sectors in the Visayas.

NIR combined Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor under one administrative region, streamlining governance and improving service delivery.

Lacson said unity among local leaders will be key to turning that vision into reality./CJ, WDJ