Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, a supporter of Liberal Party’s Leni Robredo in the last presidential election, commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr following his third State of the Nation Address.
In a statement, Lacson expressed his approval of the President’s address, stating that it underscored critical issues crucial to his administration, which he believed to be significant concerns for the populace and the nation.
As the governor representing a chiefly agricultural province, he found reassurance in the President’s genuine emphasis on the importance of agriculture, particularly in connection to local palay production.
Lacson highlighted the president’s proposed measures to fortify technical and financial assistance, regulate prices through price ceilings, enhance irrigation, ensure food security, expand crop insurance, and promote land reform.
The governor emphasized that the President’s prioritization and unwavering commitment to agriculture and food security, alongside intensified efforts against smuggling to safeguard local farmers and the regional economy, as well as enhanced disaster response, especially in light of climate change, are likely to yield positive outcomes for Negros Occidental.
He also commended the president for addressing crucial issues such as reducing electricity costs, expanding PhilHealth benefits, implementing a national learning recovery program, bridging the classroom and digital gap, providing medical allowance, raising salaries for government employees, granting teachers’ special hardship allowance, ensuring that no teacher will retire as Teacher 1, and enhancing protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and seafarers.
He also praised the president’s non-violent stance on addressing drug-related issues.
The governor also lauded the President’s strong position on the West Philippine Sea and the prohibition of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which garnered applause from the entire Batasan. Lacson said that this stance resonates with the prevailing sentiments and widespread concerns of the entire country and the Filipino people regarding these crucial matters.
Lacson noted that while the president acknowledged the challenges confronting the nation, his address was inspirational as it articulated a clear vision for the future and demonstrated a commitment to addressing the country’s most pressing issues.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez thanked Marcos for his unwavering support and how it greatly benefited Bacolod. “We truly feel the spirit of Bagong Pilipinas. Thank you for your dedication and leadership,” he added.
