Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon signing the partnership agreement.*Richard Malihan photo
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon signed a partnership agreement to ensure environmental protection and sustainable resource management of the ecosystems of Negros Occidental at the Capitol in Bacolod City Thursday, August 11.
“The need for the recovery of our ecosystems that have been degraded and destroyed, and conservation of those that are still intact has gone beyond the question of choice, it is now a necessity,” Lacson said.
“Humanity is being pressed and threatened on almost every side, and the more we lag on our efforts to save our environment, the more we endanger ourselves, our children and our future,” he said.
Buzon said the climate crisis currently being faced needs drastic action because it is an emergency that is matter of life and death.
The partnership agreement between the provincial government and the Diocese of Bacolod to institutionalize collaboration, is a welcome development for the province’s environment initiatives, Lacson said.
Under the Abanse Negrense Development Agenda the provincial government commits to strengthen sustainable development, empower communities, protect forests, and increase ecological awareness, he said.
Lacson thanked Buzon for his response to the call of Pope Francis on the care of the environment.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, Social Action Director of the Diocese of Bacolod, Fr. Chris Gonzales, together with other stakeholders witnessed the agreement signing.*