Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson officially opened the 2026 work year by outlining an agenda that prioritizes food safety, disaster logistics, and the full operationalization of the Negros Island Region (NIR).
In his New Year message following a Thanksgiving Mass attended by Negros Occidental provincial officials and department heads and employees at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Monday, Jan. 5, Lacson said “building on the achievements of the past year, we now look ahead with concrete plans for 2026”.
NEW ABATTOIRS
The provincial government will operationalize newly constructed abattoirs in Hinoba-an, Cauayan, Binalbagan, Murcia, Toboso, and San Carlos, training local government unit staff to manage the facilities in compliance with strict National Meat Inspection Service regulations, he said.
They will also introduce breakthrough programs in food safety, quality control, and value-adding for meat products.
LOGISTICS HUBS
In disaster preparedness, he said the provincial government will construct Emergency 911 Command Posts and logistics hubs across Districts 1 to 6 for coordinated inter-agency operations, with prepositioned food and non-food items ready to serve affected communities.
The Panaad Building in Bacolod City, which will serve as a model for these hubs, is already 100 percent, complete and ready for inauguration, Lacson said.
NIR OFFICES
The governor also announced that the Negros Island Region regional offices will be set up at the Negros Occidental Cyber Center and Paglaum Grandstand in the first quarter of 2026, strengthening regional coordination and service delivery.
“Let this new year be a time to strengthen our preparedness, deepen our compassion, and continue serving with integrity, courage, and dedication,” he said.
DIGITALIZATION
He said in 2025 the provincial government advanced digitalization and improved the ease of doing business across the province.
This was done through fully operational online booking and payment systems for Mambukal Resort and the Negros Residences, cashless Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program transactions in all participating hospitals, and the Negros Jobs Online Portal, Lacson said.
Digital systems for procurement, delivery, and monitoring of supplies and medicines have enhanced efficiency and accountability, he also said.
These reforms contributed to stronger economic performance, with the Economic Enterprise Development Department income reaching ₱325 million as of December 21, 2025 — over ₱50 million higher than in 2024, Lacson added.
He also said sustained employee support services, including Capitol Cab and bus services, have continued to operate reliably for more than two years.
MSME SUPPORT
The provincial government also expanded support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises from 26 in 2021 to 101, plus 17 associations, benefiting over 500 members, he said.
This helped produce 600+ products with improved packaging, labeling, and skills, while trade fairs and showroom promotions boosted sales—some reaching national markets, Lacson said.
SIX KEY PLANS
The provincial government also strengthened its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management system through the completion of six key plans, including the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Climate Change Action Plans, contingency plans for major hazards, and the Kanlaon Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan, he said.
REFORESTATION
In 2025, the provincial government also delivered tangible gains for the Northern Negros Natural Park, restoring approximately 22 hectares in the Tambara site through the planting of native trees and bamboo, strengthening forest cover, watershed function, and ecosystem resilience, he added.
RICE YIELDS DECLINED
In agriculture, Project DAGYAW continued to demonstrate its value in strengthening farmer resilience despite serious challenges, Lacson said.
In 2025, rice yields declined to about 4.4 metric tons per hectare due to multiple calamities—lower than the project’s peak of 5.24, yet still higher than pre-DAGYAW levels, he said.
“Yet even as we pursued progress and fulfilled our responsibilities, the past year also tested us in demanding ways”, he said.
He pointed out that while the provincial government was responding to the effects of the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, Typhoon Tino struck Southern Negros Occidental with devastating force, resulting in the loss of lives and extensive damage to homes, livelihoods, and communities.
NEW YEAR’S WISH
“I wish a calamity free 2026,” Lacson said in an interview after delivering his speech.
The provincial government cannot do away with the One Hospital Command but can definitely improve on it, Lacson also said, in response to complaints raised against it.
“It’s not a perfect system, it’s a continuing process and we will definitely find ways to improve it,” he said.*