Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the executive briefing on the state of governance and development situation of the province with local government officials at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City on July 30.
The briefing was attended by provincial board members, city and municipal mayors, and department heads as well as military officials, executives of national government agencies, and representatives of civil society organizations.
The activity, initiated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with the Office of the Provincial Administrator and the Provincial Planning and Development Office, is in compliance with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-016 that calls for the formal turnover ceremony for incoming local officials to include comprehensive briefings on governance assessment report, duties and responsibilities, operational protocols, key challenges, and ongoing programs, projects and activities.
“Let us strive for a province that is safer, more inclusive, and progressive. It is time that in Negros Occidental, progress will be felt by those who have the least because if it is not felt, then we have fallen short of building a just and inclusive society for our constituents,” Lacson said.
He added that inclusive growth must bring about a real difference in the quality of life for each and every Negrense.
“This is the kind of development we should aim for because as elected officials, this is the kind of future we owe to our fellow Negrenses,” the governor said.
Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso said the new term is a new mandate from the electorate to serve the Negrenses to the best the province can.
“The executive briefing will set the tone on the priority programs of Negros Occidental for the next three years, what services will be prioritized, how and when these services will be offered, and who may avail of these services,” he added.
DILG Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay said the executive briefing is a platform for discussion and knowledge sharing that helps decision and policy makers to identify sound solutions to issues at hand.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II presented the Provincial Development Agenda that are anchored on the Abanse Negrense development framework, including flagship programs that resonate with the rest of the local government units.
These include the P4 bulk water and septage project, zero open defecation program, community-based nutrition program, and land banking, resettlement, housing and construction of evacuation center. ||
