• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government has suspended the financial assistance it is extending to the barangays to ensure it has enough funds amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East that could potentially impact Negrenses.
“We need to preserve the provincial funds to prepare for potential needs of Negrenses impacted by the international crisis,” Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said.
The development was announced by Lacson on March 11 during the distribution of the P56.4 million in annual financial aid to the barangays at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
“This precautionary measure underscores the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of its constituents amidst global uncertainties,” the governor said.
Lacson hopes that the Middle East situation does not deteriorate further as he rallied Negrenses to pray that the armed conflict may soon end.
Meanwhile, Lacson said discussions are ongoing concerning the counterpart funding from local government units for various programs.
While he committed that the provincial government would contribute its share, the governor said he is awaiting the details on the specific contributions from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the respective municipal and city governments.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, said they were required to prepare the list of tricycle drivers, who will receive fuel subsidy through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation for submission to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. | GB
