Lacson opens 2026 with call for unity, service

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson ushered in 2026 with a message of gratitude, resilience, and renewed commitment to public service as he led the provincial government’s New Year thanksgiving and work-year opening, highlighting major achievements in governance, health, economy, disaster preparedness, and social services.

In a message delivered after the New Year’s Mass held at the provincial capitol on Monday, Lacson said underscored the importance of faith, reflection, and renewed purpose in serving the people of Negros Occidental.

He lauded provincial employees for their dedication, calling them the province’s greatest strength, and credited their collective efforts for the national and regional recognitions earned in 2025.

Among these were the Subaybayani Award for infrastructure governance, top honors at the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards, and national recognition for the Sugar Cultural Landscape of Negros, now included in the UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List.

The province also received distinctions at the Philippine Tourism Awards, including the Pillar Award for the Ishiwata Bath House at Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, recognizing its lasting contribution to Philippine tourism.

Lacson cited strong fiscal discipline and sound financial management as key pillars of provincial performance, noting multiple citations from the Bureau of Local Government Finance for revenue generation, collection efficiency, and fiscal excellence.

He also highlighted awards for exemplary budget management, procurement compliance, and transparency—all achieved without adverse audit findings.

Beyond governance, Negros Occidental gained recognition 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 Information Office in the region.

The province also strengthened data protection with its official registration with the National Privacy Commission.

In healthcare, Lacson reported major gains, including expanded residency training programs at Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital, the inauguration of the Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, upgraded diagnostic equipment, and the opening of the Hinobaan District Hospital on New Year’s Day.

He said 23 of the province’s 31 local government units now have licensed primary care facilities; all hospitals and rural health units are PhilHealth YAKAP-accredited; and provincial hospitals earned high ratings under the National Green and Safe Health Facility Awards.

He also cited sustainability and workforce initiatives, including fully operational solar power projects at key provincial facilities, the launch of the Negros Jobs Online Portal, and expanded employee welfare through group health insurance and support services.

Economic gains were likewise highlighted, with income from the Economic Enterprise Development Department reaching PHP 325 million as of Dec. 21, 2025—over PHP 50 million higher than the previous year—alongside expanded support for micro, small, and medium enterprises and agricultural resilience programs such as Project DAGYAW.

Lacson acknowledged the severe challenges faced in 2025, including the eruption of Mount Kanlaon and the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino in southern Negros Occidental, which resulted in loss of lives and widespread damage.

He praised the swift, coordinated response of provincial teams and emphasized that the true test of governance is service during crises.

Looking ahead to 2026, the governor outlined priority projects including the operationalization of new abattoirs across several loca government units, construction of E911 command posts and logistics hubs in all districts, and the establishment of Negros Island Region regional offices within the first quarter of the year.

He concluded by recognizing Vice Governor Joeben Alonso on his first New Year in office, along with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and all provincial employees, calling for continued unity, integrity, and dedication.

“May 2026 be a year of hope fulfilled, service strengthened, and progress sustained for every Negrense,” Lacson said.