By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson opened the work year with a message of gratitude, reflection and resolve during the first flag ceremony and Holy Mass at the Provincial Capitol yesterday.
In his New Year address to provincial government employees, Lacson thanked God for a fresh start and praised the workforce for what he called their “unwavering commitment” to public service, noting that the past year brought both major achievements and serious challenges for the province.
The governor highlighted a series of national and regional recognitions earned by Negros Occidental in 2025, including the Subaybayani Award for infrastructure governance and multiple honors at the ATOP Pearl Awards for tourism and cultural promotion.
Among these was the recognition of the Sugar Cultural Landscape of Negros, now included in the Tentative World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The Ishiwata Bath House at Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary also received a Pillar Award at the Philippine Tourism Awards.
Lacson said the province’s strong fiscal discipline and sound financial management were cited by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, placing Negros Occidental among the country’s top-performing provinces in revenue generation and collection efficiency.
Additional distinctions were received for budget transparency, procurement compliance and the absence of adverse audit findings.
Beyond governance and finance, the province was recognized for its recovery from African swine fever, leadership in climate and disaster resilience, digital inclusion initiatives led by the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center, and effective public communication, with the Provincial Information Office named best-performing in the region.
The provincial government also secured official registration with the National Privacy Commission to strengthen data protection.
In healthcare, Lacson reported significant upgrades, including expanded residency training programs at Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital, the opening of the Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, new diagnostic equipment, and the inauguration of the Hinoba-an District Hospital on New Year’s Day.
These efforts earned multiple regional and national public health awards, with all provincial hospitals and rural health units now PhilHealth YAKAP accredited.
He also cited initiatives benefiting both the public and the provincial workforce, such as operational solar power projects at key government facilities, the launch of the Negros Jobs Online Portal, expanded digital payment systems, and enhanced employee welfare through group health insurance.
The Economic Enterprise Development Department’s income reached P325 million as of late December, exceeding 2024 figures by more than P50 million.
Lacson acknowledged progress in disaster risk reduction, environmental protection, agriculture, and the development of micro, small and medium enterprises, while also recalling the province’s response to the Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption and the devastation caused by Typhoon “Tino” in southern Negros Occidental.
He said these crises tested government systems but also underscored the resilience and unity of Negrenses.
Looking ahead, Lacson outlined key priorities for 2026, including the operationalization of new abattoirs across several local government units, construction of the Emergency 911 command posts and logistics hubs in all districts, and the establishment of Negros Island Region regional offices in the first quarter of the year.
As he closed his message, Lacson welcomed Vice Governor Joeben Alonso on his first New Year in office, thanked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and reaffirmed his commitment to “serve with integrity, courage and dedication.”
“With faith as our guide and unity as our strength,” Lacson said, “I am confident that we will continue to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities, and achieve greater accomplishments for Negros Occidental in the year ahead.”/CJ, WDJ