Negros Occidental backs EVOSS integration, energy efficiency drive

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Tuesday underscored the importance of translating national energy policies into concrete local action as he addressed participants of the Department of Energy orientation on energy programs and the IPO workshop on harmonizing the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop process flow, forms, and checklist of requirements of local government units in the province.

In his message, Lacson said the activity affirms the collective commitment of national and local governments to ensure that reforms are carried through at the grassroots level, with innovation anchored on good governance.

He stressed that energy policy is central to development, influencing economic growth, service delivery, investments, and environmental stewardship, and emphasized the role of the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop established under Republic Act No. 11234.

Lacson said EVOSS is designed to improve efficiency, transparency, accountability, and ease of doing business by streamlining the permitting process for energy projects.

The governor emphasized that harmonizing local government permitting processes, including business and building permits, certificates of occupancy, and letters of no objection, and integrating them into the EVOSS platform would help eliminate long-standing bottlenecks that delay energy projects and discourage investors.

Lacson noted that Negros Occidental is among the first provinces to implement province-wide harmonized EVOSS integration, describing the move as a reflection of the province’s commitment to good governance beyond mere compliance.

He also called on local government units to lead by example through the Government Energy Management Program and the development of Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans.

The governor said energy efficiency is no longer optional, citing legal requirements, economic realities, and the responsibility to future generations.

Lacson commended the Department of Energy, the Office of the Provincial Consultant on Energy and Environment Concerns, and the Negros Association of Chief Executives for ensuring full participation of LGUs in the orientation and workshop.

He urged local officials to actively engage in the discussions and expressed hope that the activity would result in harmonized processes, improved compliance, stronger institutional capacity, and deeper cooperation across all levels of government.

Lacson said these outcomes are essential in making Negros Occidental investment-ready, energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, and governed with integrity and foresight.