Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said he is reminding Negros Occidental officials who are up for reelection to continue to focus on serving their constituents even if 2025 is an election year.
“If you are an incumbent (official) that is actually an advantage because you don’t really have to campaign, just continue serving your constituents, that’s like campaigning already,” he said on Thursday, Jan. 2.
“Focus on your work because that’s exactly what you need to do to convince your constituents to reelect you,” Lacson said.
Lacson, in his New Year’s speech to the provincial government employees at the Capitol on Thursday, also urged them to embrace 2025 with renewed dedication and commitment.
“Let us not rest on past accomplishments. Our awards are symbols of our capability, but they are also reminders of our responsibility. The challenges we face today require us to strive further,” he said.
He also reminded the engineer’s office to complete new provincial government projects in the first quarter so they can be operational this year, Lacson said.
He cited the new site of the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC) in Barangay Matab-ang, Talisay City, additional Panaad Sports Complex facilities, and slaughterhouses that are nearing completion.
The area occupied by NOLITC at the Paglaum Stadium in Bacolod could be used as offices for the Negros Island Region regional offices, he said.
A thanksgiving and New Year’s mass attended by the governor, provincial government officials and employees was held at the Capitol Social Hall.
The mass was followed by a flag-raising ceremony and a message from the governor.*