NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Vice Governor Eugenio Lacson said they have maintained their good relations despite their political differences and that the executive and legislative branches have been cooperative in terms of projects.
Lacson said he paid a courtesy call on Marañon Monday for the start of the year, and the governor has bared some of his plans for 2016.
“Just come to think of it we don’t belong to the same political party but when it comes to the programs, we have been cooperative,” he said.
Lacson is seeking reelection with Love Negros without a candidate for governor, but his party is supporting Marañon, who is running unopposed, with outgoing fourth district Representative Jeffrey Ferrer as his running mate for vice governor.
He added that Provincial Engineer Ernie Mapa will make a presentation before the Provincial Board on January 13 about the planned projects of the governor this year, including the renovation of the Provincial Administration Center building, the Captel Building, and the pala-pala facility.
Lacson said that he also feels the need for the renovation of these buildings.
He also said that Marañon plans to put up a Philippine Science High School (PSHS) campus at the Talisay City property that will be purchased by the Provincial Government under its land banking project.
Lacson had expressed some reservation about the project as he believes that it would be costly to the province.
He said, however, that the governor has explained that the project would not be done in a single undertaking. Lacson added that he also sees the advantage of having a PSHS campus for the Negros Island Region.
“As I said, I will respect the decision of the SP (Sangguniang Panlalawigan) which already approved the contract for the land acquisition, and the governor’s as well,” he said.