NegOcc guv, lawmaker want a Negrense to lead SRA

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and 5th district Rep. Dino Yulo said during the weekend that they hope another Negrense will be appointed as Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) head after its former administrator David Alba resigned.

“The province being the biggest producer of sugar, of course I’m partial to having another Negrense appointed as SRA administrator,” Lacson told reporters in an ambush interview at the opening ceremonies of Magayon Hinuptanan Festival in Moises Padilla where he was the guest together with Yulo.

“We are producing about 60 percent of the sugar in the country, I hope a Negrense will be appointed to the post,” the governor added.

Asked if he has anybody in mind, Lacson said “I have nobody in mind, we leave it the discretion of the appointing authority.”

He also wished Alba well adding that “I hope he will overcome whatever health issue he is facing.”

The governor further lauded Alba as “during his time as SRA administrator the sugar farmers are very happy because of the good price of sugar.”

“I agree with the governor that hopefully another Negrense is appointed to the post,” Yulo said.

“We are at the tail end of the milling season so it is important that there should be somebody on board before the new crop year begins.”

Yulo said Alba has done a good job as SRA chief during his stint.

Earlier, Malacanang confirmed that Alba who is from La Carlota City has resigned, making him the second SRA administrator to do so under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a statement, Malacañang said Alba visited Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Wednesday, March 22, “informing him of his decision to resign.” Bersamin “persuaded him not to.”

Alba though cited his worsening health.

Marcos said Alba’s resignation is effective April 15 “to prepare for the appointment of his replacement.”