Former Rep. Monico Puentevella, Abang Lingkod Rep. Manuel Frederick Ko, Bacolod Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella, Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Mayor Greg Gastaya and Councilor Caesar Distrito in Congress for the SONA* Carla Cañet photo
Negros Occidental and Bacolod City officials lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, for addressing electrification, education and health needs, as well as corruption.
But San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said the president’s address “again focused on infrastructure and economic performance, while ignoring the ecological foundations that sustain the economy, health, and life itself.”
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said “We in Negros Occidental deeply appreciate the President’s recognition of our province as a priority in the government’s intensified rural electrification program”.
The completion of nearly 200 power plants in the next three years, aimed at energizing millions of homes and thousands of businesses, offers real hope for many underserved communities, he said.
CORRUPTION
Lascon said he also stands in full support of the President’s firm stance against corruption.
His words, “Mahiya naman kayo (you should be ashamed),” are strongly affirmed by all of us in government who believe in honest public service, he said.
“Let this serve as a challenge and a call for accountability across all levels, especially in local governance”, Lacson said.
KANLAON ERUPTION
Lacson said he is also grateful for the President’s recognition of the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, and the swift support extended to affected communities.
“His acknowledgment underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between national and local governments in times of crisis,” Lacson said.
The governor also welcomed the President’s continued commitment to accessible and inclusive education, especially through expanded scholarships and support for learners.
“In Negros Occidental, our scholarship programs reflect this national thrust. We remain fully aligned with the national government’s goals for education and equitable opportunities,” he said.
GASATAYA INSPIRED
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said “we are uplifted and inspired to hear that we have already begun in Bacolod City several key initiatives of the national government”.
Among them are the building of a comprehensive public healthcare system, the revitalization of public spaces, ensuring that emergency and law enforcement services are always accessible, harnessing digital transformation to make government services more efficient and inclusive, supporting the dreams of our athletes, and implementing long-term measures to reduce disaster risks, he said.
“These are not distant ambitions but people-centered, and doable goals that we have started and will continue in the local level.” Gasataya said.
“We heard the President’s call for unity, compassion, and shared responsibility and we answer it with open hearts,” he said.
MARAÑON REACTION
Rep. Alfredo Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said the SONA was very good because the president covered the issues on education, including the lack of classrooms and teachers.
“On agriculture we need to do more to increase productivity,” Marañon said.
He also said “while we need funds for flood control government should seriously look into wastage of resources on ghost government projects”.
MISSING FROM THE SONA
However, Bishop Alminaza, representing the Laudato Sí Convergence, pointed out critical omissions from the President’s SONA.
He noted a “lack of clear commitment to phase out coal, fossil gas, and other dirty energy.”
Alminaza also cited the absence of assurances on:
· Protection of Indigenous Peoples’ ancestral domains from destructive projects;
· Accountability for polluting industries and corrupt political actors;
· Structural reforms in waste management, including a nationwide ban on single-use plastics;
· Restoration of watersheds and forests critical to climate resilience;
· Passage of the National Land Use Act and rights of nature legislation; and
· A genuine transition plan toward sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.
“The focus on economic growth without environmental safeguards is a path to disaster, not development”, Alminaza said.*