BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer yesterday urged the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to “set aside personal and political differences” when he delivered his Annual Legislative Report during the SP regular session at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
Ferrer said that amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the SP members should cooperate with each other, support each other, and work together for the greater good.
“With all of us working as one, we can little by little heal as one province,” Ferrer said, as he thanked Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who was present during his delivery of the SP annual legislative report, for his trust and support to the provincial council.
“We will be your partners in furthering the Abanse Negrense Development Agenda,” he told Lacson.
As the vice governor, Ferrer stressed he made sure to be fair to all board members, whether or not they share his political affiliation or beliefs.
He pointed out that his door is always open to listen to reasonable discussion and to give his opinion on matters requiring legislative action.
Ferrer reported that under his leadership, the SP passed and approved 24 regular and appropriation ordinances, 465 resolutions in their exercise of their review functions, 611 resolutions endorsed by the Office of the Governor, 56 other resolutions endorsed by board members, 17 mass motions, as well as 28 COVID-19 resolutions.
The SP also conducted 50 regular sessions, two special sessions, 16 committee hearings, four public hearings and other meetings and briefings with stakeholders, especially COVID -19 pressing issues.
“We have not had any session that did not push through due to lack of quorum,” Ferrer said.
He also thanked the board members for their cooperation and commended them for a job well-done.
Ferrer reported that the Office of the Vice Governor distributed relief goods to Bago City, San Enrique, Pontevedra, La Carlota City, Valladolid, Himamaylan City, Isabela, Hinigaran, Cauayan, and Sipalay City amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
They also facilitated financial assistance for hospital bills of 583 patients who were treated at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital and Teresita Jalandoni Provincial Hospital, he said.
Aside from hospitalization, the Office of the Vice Governor also gave out financial assistance to 214 Individuals for payment of their X-rays, dialysis, medicine, blood processing, and other medical expenses, the report said.
Ferrer also reported that his office gave out assistance and sponsored different activities of various local government units, barangays and schools throughout Negros Occidental.*
