FIRST DAY. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson gives a press briefing on his first day in office in Bacolod City on Monday (July 1, 2019). Lacson says he asked for the cooperation of the provincial government employees when he met them after the flag-raising ceremony. (Photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)
BACOLOD CITY -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte has extended his good wishes to newly-installed Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson who assumed the top Capitol post here.
“I’m extending warmest felicitations in your oath-taking,” the Chief Executive said in a video message during the inauguration rites of the provincial officials held at Capitol grounds here on Saturday afternoon.
Duterte congratulated Lacson for his victory, which he called a “momentous occasion for the people of Negros”.
The President also greeted Lacson’s partner Emily Yanson and advised her to serve Negrenses as she fulfills her duties as the First Lady of Negros Occidental.
The Yanson family is a staunch supporter of President Duterte, who has attended some of their private gatherings in Bacolod and in neighboring Talisay City.
Lacson, who has adopted the battlecry “Abanse Negrense, said his administration will focus on agriculture, education, health, tourism, and the economy.
On Monday, Lacson said on the top of the agenda on his first day is to put in place personnel assignments.
He has designated lawyer Rayfrando Diaz as the provincial administrator and Alberto Nellas Jr. as the provincial legal officer, and retained Jonathan Lobaton as his chief of staff.
However, Lacson has yet to sign the appointments of some of his office staff, including the executive assistants.
The governor said he asked for the cooperation of the provincial government employees when he met them after the flag-raising ceremony.
“I stressed to them especially the department heads to continue with their respective programs. I somehow told them not to be affected by personnel movements. I reminded them that we should work as one, happy family,” he added.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said also on Monday that he will support Lacson in his decision on the personnel movements at the Capitol.
“We are still in the transition period. We are focusing now on the offices and departments,” he added.
Ferrer, who belongs to the United Negros Alliance, also said there will be no political lines in the Provincial Board since he and Lacson, a leader of Love Negros, have decided to run under a unity ticket in the May 13 elections.
“There will be no two groups here. We will cooperate. As of now, there’s only unity among the board members,” he added. (PNA)
