Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Friday, June 26, called for stronger coordination to fight agricultural threats and youth violence, warning that economic disruptions and social issues can directly impact the peace and order of the region.
Speaking at the Second Quarter Regional Peace and Order Council Meeting of the Negros Island Region hosted by Mayor Salvador Escalante in Cadiz City, Lacson emphasized that public safety is deeply connected to the daily economic struggles of local communities.
Lacson cited the ongoing threat of the African Swine Fever (ASF) and Red-striped soft scale (RSSI) and warned that the damage goes far beyond the agricultural sector.
“Beyond their impact on our agricultural industry, these concerns affect the income of our farmers, backyard raisers, traders, and other sectors that depend on the swine industry for their livelihood,” Lacson said.
He explained that when families face financial uncertainty from losing their livelihoods, it creates vulnerabilities that can quickly turn into security and order problems.
To combat this, the governor urged local governments, law enforcement, and agricultural sectors to strictly enforce control measures and provide immediate support to affected communities.
YOUTH VIOLENCE
Aside from agricultural worries, Lacson expressed concern over recent violent incidents involving young people, specifically those happening inside and around school campuses.
“Schools should remain places of learning, personal growth, and safety,” he said.
The governor noted that police intervention alone cannot solve youth violence. Instead, he called for a joint effort involving parents, teachers, and community leaders to promote values formation, responsible citizenship, and conflict resolution to stop violence before it starts.
COMMUNITY-WIDE APPROACH
Lacson reminded the council that true stability cannot be achieved by a single institution.
He advocated for a “whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach” that tackles both physical security and underlying economic hardships.*
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