By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is pressing local government units (LGUs) across the province to strengthen their disaster preparedness by investing in heavy equipment, as Negros continues recovery efforts from the devastation caused by Typhoons “Tino” and “Uwan.”
Lacson said the recent disasters underscored the urgent need for LGUs to acquire life-saving and response-critical machinery — particularly amphibious dredgers and other equipment needed for clearing operations and infrastructure repair.
“I encourage LGUs to invest in major equipment each year that are essential for every calamity. We must do our best in rehabilitation,” he said, noting that lessons from “Tino” show the importance of preparedness in mitigating damage.
The call came as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) unanimously approved the P7.6-billion annual budget for 2026 on Tuesday, December 2.
Lacson said the budget will sustain the province’s Abanse Negrense development agenda and fast-track the reconstruction of bridges, roads and other facilities hit by recent flooding.
The spending plan also reinforces allocations for agriculture, infrastructure development, health services, and disaster response — key sectors expected to carry the province through a year still projected to face strong typhoons in the Visayas.
“We need to invest in equipment for our Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Every calamity teaches us something, and it’s clear we must prepare for the next one,” Lacson added.
The governor further urged city and municipal governments to approve their respective budgets before year-end to avoid delays in the rollout of disaster readiness and development programs in 2026.
The newly approved provincial budget represents a 17.98 percent increase, or about P1.1 billion, from the previous year — largely driven by an expanded National Tax Allotment and improved local revenue performance.
Lacson expressed gratitude to the SP for the swift approval and emphasized that proactive budgeting and investment in disaster capability will ensure a more resilient Negros Occidental moving forward./CJ, WDJ