THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental is now under the leadership of Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey “Bing Bong” Ferrer after they took their oath of office in a formal rites held at the Provincial Capitol grounds on June 29, 2019.
Their victory was attained due to the successful political merger between Love Negros and United Negros Alliance, the brainchild of former Governor Alfredo Maranon, Jr. and former Third District Representative Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez.
The 35th Governor of the Province took his oath before Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Katherine Go and was joined by his mother Carmen Lacson, brothers Manuel and Raul Mario and Lean Lacson. The Governor was also joined by his life partner Emily Yanson and her daughters Ica and Ina Ramos.
Vice Governor Ferrer took his oath before former Governor Maranon and was joined by his family led by his wife 4th District Representative Juliet Marie Ferrer, their sons and daughters and mother-in-law Kitchie Benedicto-Paulino.
The new governor vowed to concentrate on agriculture, education, health, tourism and above all the Negros economy.
On the other hand, Vice Governor Ferrer vowed to support the plans and programs of Governor Lacson.
He also enjoined the board members to legislate measures that will boil down to the welfare of the people and the province.
President Rodrigo Duterte who supported Lacson’s candidacy also congratulated the new governor and enjoined his life partner Emily to help the governor in leading the Province.
The celebration was held after the oath taking ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon.
Their respective family and guests, elected officials including former elected officials department and office heads of the Provincial Government joined the celebration.
Duterte sent his sincere felicitation to Governor Lacson whom he endorsed during the campaign period.
He also congratulated Lacson’s life partner Emily and urged her to help the governor to quote: “To my friend Emily, the first lady, Ma’am, mag serbisyo karin. Gampanan mo ang trabaho ng isang asawa ng gobernador. Kaya mo yan. Maganda ka, maba-it at mayaman. Kaya mong tulungan ang mga tao. Congratulations to both of you. (To my friend Emily, the first lady, Ma’am, kindly serve also. Do the works of a first lady. You can do it as you are beautiful, kind and rich. You can help the people as well.)