Negros Occidental Governor Lauds President Marcos’ Agricultural Initiatives in SONA

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed optimism following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s focus on agriculture and food security during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. Lacson highlighted the potential benefits of the President’s policies for Negros Occidental, a province heavily reliant on agriculture.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos’s emphasis on bolstering local palay production, combined with measures to combat smuggling and enhance disaster response, is poised to significantly benefit local farmers and the broader provincial economy. “As the 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 stated in a response on Tuesday.

During his SONA, President Marcos outlined several agricultural initiatives, including the distribution of seedlings and fertilizers, training for farmers, and modernization of farming practices. He also advocated for the expansion of Kadiwa centers to reduce the cost of agricultural commodities and increase support to the fishing community, alongside stricter measures against agri-fishery smuggling.

Governor Lacson also commented on the national support for President Marcos’s stance on issues like the West Philippine Sea and the banning of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which garnered significant applause during the SONA. “It reveals the temper of the times and the clamor of the entire country and the Filipino people on these monumental issues,” he noted.

The governor further acknowledged the President’s initiatives across other sectors, which he described as welcome developments. These include reducing electricity costs, leveraging public-private partnerships for major projects, expanding Philippine Health Insurance Corp. benefits, enhancing protections for overseas workers, and implementing a bloodless approach to the drug war. Additional measures such as salary increases for government employees, special allowances for teachers, and improvements in education and digital infrastructure were also highlighted.

Governor Lacson concluded that the SONA was inspirational and provided a clear vision for addressing the nation’s challenges, particularly in strengthening the agricultural sector and ensuring food security amidst global uncertainties.