• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
In the wake of the rehabilitation efforts following the flooding caused by typhoons Tino and Uwan, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has urged local government units (LGUs) to prioritize investments in heavy equipment.
Lacson emphasized the critical need for such machinery, particularly amphibious dredgers, to aid in post-disaster response and recovery efforts.
“I encourage LGUs to invest in major equipment each year that are essential for every calamity. We must do our best in rehabilitation, especially for damages caused by Tino,” Lacson stated, highlighting the role of heavy equipment in disaster response.
Following the unanimous approval of a P7.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Tuesday, Lacson reaffirmed that the funds will be allocated toward the province’s Abanse Negrense platform, as well as the reconstruction of bridges and roads damaged by the recent typhoons.
Other allocations will support agriculture, infrastructure, health, and enhancements to the province’s disaster response initiatives.
“We need to invest in equipment for our Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). Every calamity, we learned, and it’s clear that we must prepare for the next disaster,” Lacson explained. He urged localities to allocate more funds toward disaster response initiatives in their budgets.
The governor also expressed his gratitude to the SP for passing the 2026 budget and called on LGUs to expedite their approval processes to ensure a fresh start next year.
“I encourage LGUs to approve their budgets before the year ends so we can start fresh,” he said.
The approved budget for Negros Occidental represents a 17.98 percent increase, or approximately P1.1 billion, compared to the previous year. This rise is primarily attributed to higher allocations from the National Tax Allotment (NTA) and improved local revenue generation.*
