Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has been invited to be the guest of honor at the 124th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Guam, USA.
Lacson, who was invited by the Philippine consul general, left for Guam Monday night, June 6, and will return to Negros Occidental on Friday.
Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer will be acting governor in his absence, and Board Member Rommel Debulgado will be acting vice governor.
Lacson was accompanied by Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, Executive Assistant Charina Magallanes Tan, and Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena. They will meet with the governor of Guam and visit the Guam Development Authority, Diaz said.
They are exploring the possibility of coming up with a Negros Development Authority and promoting a tourism exchange program, he added.
They will highlight what Negros can offer and hopefully strengthen ties between Negros and Guam, Diaz said.
The Philippine Independence Day rites in Guam will focus on the Philippines reemergence from the COVID-19 pandemic and the government’s efforts to welcome back tourists and investors, the invitation to Lacson and his team said.
“We have decided to shine this focus on the province of Negros Occidental featuring the province’s local culture and food, and promoting its tourism and investment potential,” it added.
Lacson will be speaking before members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, leading businessmen and members of the Filipino community at the Philippines Independence Day rites in Guam.*