Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson vowed not to simply continue what he started but to finish strong and to institutionalize progress.
Lacson issued the pledge in his inaugural speech Saturday evening, June 28, as he embarked on his third and last term as governor.
The governor shortened his speech as rain delayed the inauguration rites of the provincial government officials initially set in front of the provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.
The inauguration rites of the governor, Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso, and the board members was transferred to Capitol Park and Lagoon where tents had been set up.
Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso takes his oath of office.*Richard Malihan photo
The event started with a song rendered by megastar Sharon Cuneta who joined Senator Francis Pangilinan at the inaugural rites.
The governor said due to the unpredictable weather being experienced he decided to give a brief speech and instead report on the achievements of his administration during a State of the Province Address before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The governor said he began his term in 2019 with Abanse Negrense as his development agenda.
“Over the years, it has grown — it has evolved into a battle cry, a shared vision, and for many, an identity. Abanse Negrense is no longer just a roadmap for progress; Abanse Negrense is who we are. Abanse Negrense is us,” he said.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment — not simply to continue what we have started, but to finish strong, to institutionalize progress, and to ensure that the gains we have collectively built will last beyond any administration,” he said.
Lacson said his administration has been marked by challenges of historic proportions from a global pandemic, natural disasters, including the sporadic eruptions of Mt. Kanlaon for more than a year now, and changing economic landscapes.
“While we addressed the immediate needs brought by calamities and emergencies, we never ceased to move forward,” he said, citing the collective support of the officials of Negros Occidental.
“We built hospitals and schools, protected our farmers, strengthened our health systems, and transformed our digital infrastructure. We ensured that the people most in need — the vulnerable, the young, the displaced, and the marginalized — were never left behind,” he said.
As he begins his final term as governor, Lacson said he does so with full awareness of the impermanence of public office.
“Time humbles us — but it also calls us to make each moment count, to serve with purpose and resolve,” he said.
Lacson stressed that “public office is never about how long we serve, but how meaningfully we do so”.
“We must serve not merely to fulfill our agenda, but to pass the torch — to foster a tradition of governance that is God-centered, compassionate, competent, and grounded in integrity. For when citizens trust their government, unity becomes possible — and in that unity, true and lasting progress is achieved,” he added.
To the people of Negros Occidental, the governor said “ I remain at your service, as I have always been – not to be served, but to serve, for as long as God grants me the capacity and calling to do so”.
Lacson, Alonso and the provincial board members took their oaths of office in the presence of their families, provincial government employes and guests.
The Negros Occidental board members are Marxlen dela Cruz and Araceli Somosa – 1st District, Arthur Christopher “Atoy” Marañon and Sixto “Pal” Guanzon – 2nd District, Andrew Montelibano and Bambi Depasucat – 3rd District, Paula Alonso and Nicholas Yulo – 4th District, Hadji Trojillo and Rita Gatuslao – 5th District, and Ralph Alvarez and Jeffrey Tubola – 6th District.*