Guv sets 2026 agenda, urges LGU DRRM gear

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has outlined the province’s priority agenda for 2026, highlighting strengthened agriculture, infrastructure development, improved health care, expanded digitalization, and major upgrades in disaster risk reduction and management in line with the Abanse Negrense development platform.

Lacson laid out these priorities in reaction to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s approval of the PHP 7.6 billion provincial budget for 2026 during its regular session Tuesday.

He underscored the importance of passing budgets early to ensure a smooth transition into the new fiscal year.

He commended Board Member Marxlen de la Cruz, chair of the Committee on Finance, for his leadership in securing the budget approval well ahead of year-end.

“I am very happy they approved it before the end of the year,” Lacson told reporters Wednesday, urging LGUs across the province to follow suit.

“Let us all start fresh with a fresh budget.”

A major component of the 2026 agenda is strengthening DRRM capabilities after the devastation brought by Typhoon Dino underscored the need for better equipment and preparedness.

“Every time there is a calamity, we learn from it,” the governor said.

“We need to prepare ourselves for the next one.”

Presiding over the Joint Provincial Development Council, Provincial Peace and Order Council, and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council 4th Quarter Meeting at the Capitol Social Hall on Wednesday, Lacson said one of the key recommendations was the acquisition of an amphibious dredger to clear waterways and prevent severe flooding.

He encouraged local government units to invest in essential DRRM machinery that can be deployed immediately after disasters.

“If LGUs can afford it, I encourage them to invest in one major equipment every year — equipment you know you will need after a calamity,” he said.

Lacson also reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to rehabilitating communities heavily affected by Typhoon Dino.

“We will do our best in the rehabilitation, especially for areas that suffered damage from Typhoon Dino,” he said.

The governor added that while figures for the province’s investment plan were not yet available, development programs always begin as proposals that require proper review and approval.

“Our investment programs are like a wish list — they must be approved, and the funding can follow,” he explained.