Negros Occ guv has mixed feelings on ‘richest province’ tag

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – The inclusion of Negros Occidental in the list of the top 10 richest provinces in the country gives a “good impression” to local and foreign investors, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Tuesday.

In its 2020 Annual Financial Report on Local Governments, the Commission on Audit (COA) ranked Negros Occidental as the 6th richest province in the country, with assets totaling P18.025 billion.

But Lacson admitted that he does not know “what to make of it,” stressing that Negros Occidental is relying much on its National Tax Allotment share.

“Hopefully, that will booster our investments, whether locally, or from outside investors, the governor said, apparently referring to the inclusion of Negros Occidental, as among the 10 richest provinces.”

Lacson also said that peace and order is a very important factor for businesses to invest in a certain locality.

Topping the list of the richest provinces in the country is Cebu with assets totaling P215 billion.

The 215-page audit report covered the financial statements of 1,676 LGUs including 81 provinces, 146 cities, 1,488 municipalities, 22,680 barangays, and the Bangsamoro Government.