Negrense senatorial candidate Alex Lacson said if he wins in the 2022 polls he will push for the passages of a law creating the Negros Island Region (NIR) and help ensure that P2 billion due the sugar industry annually is allocated for its needs.
The NIR, composed of Negros Occidental and Oriental, was created by virtue of an executive order issued by then President Benigno Aquino III and existed from May 29, 2015 to August 9, 2017, when it was abolished by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Lacson, at a press conference at the provincial Capitol in Bacolod City Thursday, November 4, said a law is needed to ensure the restoration of the NIR that will beneficial to the people of Negros.
He was born and raised in Kabankalan City and is running for senator under the ticket of presidential candidate Leni Robredo.
He said because of the failure to use up the entire P2 billion annually, the Department of Budget and Management has gradually reduced the annual allocation, that is now down to about 5 percent of the total amount.
With proper planning part of the fund could have been used to mitigate the high prices of fertilizer being endured by sugarcane farmers now, he said.
A very good team is needed to craft a plan to ensure that the P2 billion is spent annually for the improvement of the sugar industry, he said.
Lacson met with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson Thursday morning. The governor promised to help him in his senatorial bid, Lacson said.
Asked if he would support Lacson’s senate bid, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said “why not…especially if his plan for Negros Occidental is good.”
He welcomes the plan of Lacson to push for the passage of a law creating the NIR, which will be advantageous to the people of Negros, Ferrer said.
Ferrer said he has not decided yet whom he will support for president in 2022. He will support the presidential bet that can help Negros Occidental, Ferrer said.
Lacson said with many organizations supporting him now, he is confident he will win a senate seat.
He is also confident that Negrenses, who are very good and intelligent voters, will ensure the victory of Robredo and her runningmate, Senator Francis Pangilinan, in the 2022 polls, Lacson added.*