By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY— Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the distribution of aid to calamity-affected farmers and marginalized students across the province.
Farmers from various local government units (LGUs) received bags of rice seeds worth PHP 396,840 during a ceremonial turnover held at the Provincial Capitol earlier this week.
Lacson was joined by Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko and OIC Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Dina Genzola during the event.
The program, dubbed “Binhi sang Probinsiya,” is a provincial government initiative spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
Farmers in Cadiz received 94 bags of rice seeds, while Manapla received 80 bags, Ilog received 38 bags, and E.B. Magalona received 34 bags.
Through the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program, two farmer associations were also granted PHP 500,000 in marketing assistance.
The AMIA Village Organic Farmers Association (AVOFA) of Pontevedra and the Tampalon Rainfed Upland Farmers Association (TRUFA) of Kabankalan City each received PHP 250,000 to enhance their marketing strategies, improve the distribution of agricultural products, and boost profitability.
Both associations were chosen for their strong community impact, commitment to gender equality, and potential for growth within the agricultural sector.
The province’s agricultural programs aim to empower local farmers and foster rural economic development.
A total of 250 provincial scholars enrolled at Southland College in Kabankalan City received educational assistance worth PHP 1,250,000 during a ceremony held at the school.
Governor Lacson and 6th District Board Member Jeffrey Tubola led the turnover ceremony alongside Southland College Chairman of the Board Anette Villaluz and Kabankalan City Vice Mayor Miguel Zayco, who also serves as Southland’s executive vice president.
Lacson also provided additional personal assistance worth PHP 125,000 for the scholars.
In a separate event, a total of PHP 48.7 million was distributed to 195 barangays across various towns and cities in Negros Occidental to fund development projects.
Lacson, along with Board Members Jeffrey Tubola (6th District), Rita Gatuslao (5th District), Manuel Frederick Ko (3rd District), and Jose Benito Alonso (4th District), led the ceremonial turnover of checks at the Capitol Social Hall on Friday, January 31.
Each barangay received PHP 250,000 for projects such as:
- Installing solar streetlights.
- Purchasing multi-purpose vehicles.
- Acquiring office equipment.
- Constructing concrete bleachers, perimeter fences, and comfort rooms.
- Improving barangay roads, covered courts, and water systems.
- Building multi-purpose buildings and footbridges.
- Establishing community centers.
- Rehabilitating daycare centers.
- Acquiring CCTV cameras and DRRM supplies.
