Gubernatorial bet plans to continue out-of-town sessions

FORMER San Carlos City mayor Eugenio Lacson, vice gubernatorial candidate of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), is planning to continue with the Provincial Board’s holding of sessions out of town.

Aimed at bringing the government closer to the people, holding sessions out of town were held under the leadership of Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez.

Alvarez and Lacson are runningmates for the 2013 elections. They are running against the tandem of incumbent Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Board Member Melvin Ibañez.

Lacson said holding sessions out of town would also give the opportunity to the people in the towns and cities to personally see and refer their problems to the provincial officials.

Lacson, who is the great grandson of Negros hero General Anecito Lacson, served as mayor of San Carlos City for nine years. Prior to that, he also served as vice mayor of the city also for three terms.

"With my experience, I am very much ready to be the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board). I will make sure that everybody will have a say at the SP," he said.

Under the care of Lacson, San Carlos City was among the first local government units that have implemented the Solid Waste Management Program. The city was also able to earn international recognition as one of the most livable cities all over the world.

"Right now, we are trying to strengthen our organization for a stronger campaign," Lacson said.

He also said that he will continue to work with non-government organizations (NGOs) and cooperatives for the implementation of environmental and livelihood projects.

Lacson describes public service not as a right but a privilege.

"I am in politics because I want to serve the public, not for the fees and anything else. That's why I assure the people of Negros of good governance, transparency and accountability," Lacson said. (TDE)