• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
In his remaining three years as governor of Negros Occidental, Eugenio Jose Lacson reiterated that he aims to serve, but not to be served by the Negrenses.
“Let us be reminded: public office is never about how long we serve, but how meaningfully we do so,” Lacson said in his inaugural speech during the oath-taking rites of the incoming provincial officials at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City on June 28.
“We must serve not merely to fulfill our agenda, but to pass the torch to foster a tradition of governance that is God-centered, compassionate, competent, and grounded in integrity. For when citizens trust their government, unity becomes possible and in that unity, true and lasting progress is achieved,” he added.
Lacson acknowledged the unwavering support of the Provincial Board led by outgoing Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer to the executive programs and for the judicious and timely enactment of ordinances.
“Without such collaboration, this administration would not have been as effective and responsive in meeting the needs of our people,” he added,
Lacson cited the unwavering cooperation and support of Negrense lawmakers and local government executives, noting that such partnership and shared commitment have been vital in translating the provincial vision into concrete action across in cities and municipalities.
He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Capitol employees, partner-agencies and development partners, and civil society organizations.
“While we must respond to the urgencies of the present, we must all keep our eyes fixed on the long-term progress of our province,” Lacson said.
He added: “We built hospitals and schools, protected our farmers, strengthened our health systems, transformed our digital infrastructure. We ensured that the people most in need – the vulnerable, young, the displaced, and the marginalized – were never left behind,”
In the pursuit of universal health care, Lacson reported that they have made significant strides, with nearly 80 percent of the province’s local health systems now integrated under a unified province-wide health system.
He said that moving forward, the provincial government will focus on strengthening the three sub-provincial health systems to enhance the delivery of primary care and improve health outcomes for all Negrenses.
The province’s efforts also earned recognition in the regional level for exemplary performance in institutionalizing disaster risk reduction and management for health, he added.
“As I begin this final term, I do so with full awareness of the impermanence of public office. Time humbles us – but it also calls us to make each moment count – to serve with purpose and resolve,” Lacson said.
The governor added: “With God’s grace and your continued trust, we shall bring this province ever closer to its ideal. As I have said time and again, not as it has been, but in fulfillment of what it is called to become”.
Also sworn into office were Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso, Board Members Araceli Somosa and Marxlen dela Cruz (1st district), Sixto Pal Guanzon and Christopher Arthur Marañon (2nd district), Andrew Montelibano and Hope Marey Depasucat (3rd district), Nicholas Yulo and Paula Alonso (4th district), Rita Gatuslao and Hadji Trujillo (5th district), and Jeffrey Tubola and Ralph Alvarez (6th district).
Senator-elect Francis Pangilinan witnessed the oath-taking rites, with his wife, megastar Sharon Cuneta, who rendered songs during the event. | GB
