By CESAR JOLITO III
The Negros Occidental Association of Chief Executives (ACE) has elected a new set of officers, ushering in a renewed push for stronger collaboration among local governments amid growing environmental and governance challenges in the province.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson underscored the significance of Negros ACE as a vital platform that promotes coordination among local government units (LGUs), policy sharing and collective action on key issues facing cities and municipalities across Negros Occidental.
“Today’s ceremony is more than just a transition of leadership. It is a reaffirmation of the values that unite us as leaders — service, integrity and innovation,” Lacson said during the oath-taking ceremony yesterday morning.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador “Bading” Escalante was sworn in as the new ACE president, with other officials reaffirming their commitment to integrity, innovation and unity in public service.
“Mayor Escalante’s grounded leadership and experience will help steer this organization through the complexities of the present and the promise of the future,” Lacson said.
He highlighted recent provincial initiatives, such as the Renewable Energy Week, where the Capitol announced its move to install solar power in some government facilities.
He encouraged LGUs to follow suit in embracing clean energy for a “Renewable, Reliable, Affordable, Available, and Sustainable” future.
The governor also addressed the recent flooding that caused several casualties in parts of the province, calling on local chief executives to revisit their disaster risk reduction and management protocols.
“Disaster response begins long before a calamity strikes,” Lacson said.
“We must invest not only in equipment and infrastructure but in planning and coordination across all levels of government,” he added.
Founded in 2002 under the late Governor Joseph Marañon, Negros ACE was established to give local leaders a stronger voice in shaping development policies and addressing shared concerns.
Over two decades later, it remains a key body in advancing grassroots leadership and collaborative governance.
“Let us take inspiration not only from what we have endured, but from what we now have the chance to do together,” Lacson concluded./CJ, WDJ