BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson called on newly-elected local officials to work toward building a safer, more inclusive, and progressive province, emphasizing that true progress must be felt by those who have the least.

“If it is not felt, then we have fallen short of building a just and inclusive society for our constituents,” Lacson said during a recent executive briefing on the State of Governance and Development Situation of the province attended by mayors and provincial officials held at the Negros Residences here.

The governor underscored that inclusive growth should make a tangible difference in every Negrense’s quality of life—something Lacson says elected officials owe their people.

Vice Gov. Jose Benito Alonso stressed the need for unity and cooperation in carrying out a new mandate: To deliver services that meet the needs of Negrosanons. He noted that the briefing would help set the priorities for the next three years.

Pulupandan Mayor Miguel Antonio Peña, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Negros Occidental chapter, supports the provincial agenda. He noted that it reflects the shared priorities of local government units (LGUs)—strengthening disaster preparedness, improving social services and infrastructure, securing food systems, and stimulating economic growth.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., president of the Association of Chief Executives of Negros Occidental, called the briefing a “bold and necessary reflection” on the gap between local standards and real-world conditions.

“Within these challenges lies opportunity—the opportunity to align, to innovate, and to collaborate. Together, we will close the gaps. Together, we will raise the bar,” Escalante said.

Also in attendance were provincial board members, city and municipal mayors, department heads, and representatives from the military, education sector, civil society, and national agencies.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay, also acting regional director of DILG-Negros Island Region, described the activity as a strategic platform for sharing information and crafting informed, responsive policies.

In a breakout workshop, officials identified common community issues such as water access, sanitation, malnutrition, poverty, flooding, and volcanic hazards from Mount Kanlaon. Participants proposed local solutions and aligned them with provincial priorities.