• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The financial aid extended by the Negros Occidental provincial government to barangays has been temporarily suspended.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson cited the ongoing armed conflict in Middle East as the reason for the temporary suspension, as he wants to ensure that the provincial government has enough funds to run its operations.
This was announced by Lacson on Wednesday during the distribution of P56.4 million in annual financial aid to Negros Occidental barangays at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
He stressed the need of preserving provincial funds to prepare for potential needs of Negrenses impacted by the international crisis.
This precautionary measure underscores the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of its constituents amidst global uncertainties.
Lacson hopes that the Middle East situation does not deteriorate further, as he rallied Negrenses to pray that the armed conflict may soon end.
Meanwhile, Lacson said discussions are ongoing concerning counterpart funding from local government units (LGUs) for various programs.
While he assured that the provincial government would contribute its share, he is awaiting the details on the specific contributions from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the respective town and city governments.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, said they were required to prepare the list of tricycle drivers who will receive fuel subsidy, through AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation), for submission to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.*
