VICE Governor Jeffrey Ferrer called on Negrenses "to set aside politics amid these challenging times" during his first legislative report before the members of the Provincial Board (PB).
"In these uncertain times, the road ahead will be challenging for everyone. I urge all of you to set aside our personal and political differences, and to 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," he said.
In his report, Ferrer said the PB under his leadership conducted a total of 50 regular sessions, two special sessions, 16 committee hearings and four public hearings since July 1, 2019.
"We continued with our sessions, even in the midst of the enhanced community quarantine, some mixed with our online platforms to avoid exposing our at risk officials to the virus, as there were pressing matters that needed to be approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (PB) especially relating to our response to the pandemic. We have not had any session that did not push through due to lack of quorum," he said.
The PB, he said, passed a total of 15 regular ordinances, nine appropriation ordinances, 465 resolutions in the exercise of our review functions, 611 resolutions as endorsed by the governor, 56 resolutions initiated by our board members, 17 mass motions, and 28 Covid-19 resolutions.
"All items endorsed by Governor Bong was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, since said endorsements have complete attachments and clarificatory questions were adequately answered," Ferrer added.
He also thanked the board members for their cooperation.
"I would like to commend you for a job well done. Thank you for your cooperation, and your service for the betterment of the Negrosanons," Ferrer said.
"I have made it a point to be fair to all the SP members, whether or not they share my political affiliation or beliefs. My door is always open, to listen to reasonable discussion and also give my opinion on certain matters requiring legislative action," he pointed out.
He said his staff are trained to always be courteous, pro- active, and to always have a heart for service.
"I want to call them my 'Action Team' to make sure that no Negrosanon who comes to my office leaves empty. I want to empower them by allowing them to attend trainings and seminars, and by keeping employee morale high by joining them in our weekly group lunches and other activities. I strive to be a good example: show them how to serve, enjoy doing it, and they will naturally follow," he said.
Ferrer also said that his office also 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.
"My office also facilitated financial assistance for hospital bills to 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-ray, dialysis, medicine, blood processing, and other medical expenses, the report said.
Ferrer's report also said that his office also gave out assistance and sponsored different activities to various local government units, barangays and schools throughout Negros Occidental.
He also thanked the support staff of the PB.
"Legislation for our Constituents have been made easier because our support staff think of everything else," he said.
Ferrer also thanked Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson "for the trust and support that you have given your SP."
"We will be your partners in furthering the Abanse Negrense Development Agenda," he said.