Shadow

Marcos’ focus on food security, agriculture good for Negros: guv

It was heartening to hear the President’s genuine concern for the importance of agriculture, especially in relation to the local production of palay, Gov. Eugenio Jose  Lacson said.*Ronnie Baldonado  photo  

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s focus and dedication to agriculture and food security, which he emphasized in his State of the Nation Address, will have a positive impact on Negros Occidental, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Tuesday, July 23.

“As governor of a primarily agricultural province, it is heartening to hear the President’s genuine concern for the importance of agriculture, especially in relation to the local production of palay,” Lacson said.

The president, in his SONA, emphasized the need to strengthen technical and financial support, control prices through price ceilings, improve irrigation, ensure food security, expand crop insurance, and advance land reform, Lacson pointed out.

“With the President’s focus and dedication to agriculture and food security, along with heightened efforts against smuggling to protect local farmers and the local economy, and enhanced disaster response, particularly in the face of climate change, I am certain this will have a positive impact on Negros Occidental,” Lacson said.

The lowered electricity cost,  expansion of PhilHealth benefits,  national learning recovery program, addressing the classroom and digital gap,  medical allowance, the teachers’ special hardship allowance and  the assurance that no teacher shall retire as Teacher 1 mentioned by the president in his SONA were all welcome developments,  Lacson said. 

Lacson also cited the president’s assurance on enhanced protection for overseas Filipino workers and seafarers,  acknowledgment of public private partnerships  as a crucial funding mechanism for big-ticket projects,  salary increase for government employees,  reduction of poverty,  improved peace and order, and the bloodless war on drugs. 

“The applause from the entire Batasan for the President’s resolute stand on the West Philippine Sea and the banning of POGOs  (Philippine offshore gaming operators) reveals the temper of the times and the clamor of the entire country and the Filipino people on these monumental issues,” Lacson also pointed out. 

LIMKAICHONG’s REACTION 
Rep. Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong (Neg. Or., 1st District) said she was pleased with Marcos strong policy on banning POGOs and his unwavering commitment to upholding the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

“These issues resonate deeply with many Filipinos, and his decisive action demonstrates a commitment to national security and sovereignty,” Limkaichong said.

She also welcomed Marcos’ statement on the war against illegal drugs and how his administration’s strategy remains to be a “bloodless”.

“What we need is strict law enforcement, and focus on prevention and rehabilitation,” she said.

ON NIR
However, as someone from Negros Island, Limkaichong said she was hoping for Marcos’ declared support for the newly established Negros Island Region.

“The NIR holds significant potential for economic growth and development in the Visayas. Nevertheless, we are still thankful to the President for signing Republic Act No. 12000, creating the NIR. We look forward to the continued collaboration between the legislative and the Executive under PBBM’s administration,” Limkaichong said.*

Secured By miniOrangeSecured By miniOrange