Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is holding a virtual meeting with the Negros Occidental mayors on Wednesday, January 13, to discuss the possible reopening of the province’s borders with Negros Oriental, the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines and the transfer of the seat of the provincial government to Talisay City.
Lacson said today, January 11, that they will have to consult with the Negros Occidental Provincial Incident Management Team, especially Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang, on the feasibility of reopening the borders.
Lacson digitally signed today, January 11, the provincial government’s contract with AstraZeneca for the advance purchase of 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for 50,000 Negrenses.
He said Negros Occidental city mayors have also expressed interest in purchasing vaccines for their constituents and are set to join a League of Cities of the Philippines meeting tomorrow, January 12, with Secretary Carlito Galvez, the country’s vaccine czar, so decisions can be made.
Lacson reiterated that if the advance purchase contract of the provincial government and AstraZeneca works well, another contract could be signed to include other Negros Occidental local government units and the private sector.
Lacson said he will also discuss with the mayors the plan to move the provincial government offices from Bacolod City to a 25-hectare property in Talisay City.*