Negros Occidental Provincial Government

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL MARKS 34TH PROVINCIAL ENVIRONMENT MONTH

The Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and various government agencies, spearheaded the opening of the 34th Provincial Environment Month today with the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”

The activity highlights the importance of protecting and preserving natural resources as a foundation for climate resilience and sustainable development.

This year’s theme aims to raise environmental awareness, encourage collective action, and promote responsible stewardship of the environment to help build a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for present and future generations.

A Thanksgiving Mass was held this morning at the Capitol Social Hall, followed by the opening program and the 2nd KapitAlam Environmental Quiz, participated in by Capitol employees.

PEMO Head Atty. Julie Ann Bedrio welcomed environment stakeholders, LGU representatives, and partners during the opening program, together with Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services of DENR NIR.

Economic and Climate Counselor Lloyd Cameron of the British Embassy Manila served as the keynote speaker during the opening program, where he emphasized the importance of strengthening climate action and advancing sustainable development partnerships.

He also highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts in environmental protection, particularly in building climate-resilient communities and supporting initiatives that promote long-term ecological sustainability in the province.

More activities are lined up for the month-long celebration, including the Abanse Negrense EcoRun and People’s Organizations’ Product Selling at the South Capitol Road on June 21, Tree Growing Activity in Kabankalan City on June 23, and Mangrove Growing Activity in Binalbagan on June 25, as well as clean-up drives and other activities scheduled in various LGUs of the province.

Governor B**g Lacson, Vice Gov. Joeben Alonso and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, and Provincial Administrator Atty Rayfrando P. Diaz II have consistently championed environmental protection initiatives, demonstrating strong support for programs and advocacies that promote environmental conservation, sustainability, and the preservation of natural resources.*

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, BRITISH EMBASSY STRENGTHEN CLIMATE ADAPTATION PARTNERSHIP

Negros Occidental Governor B**g Lacson met today with Economic and Climate Counselor Lloyd Cameron of the British Embassy Manila for updates on the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in the province.

The British Embassy Manila continues to support the sugar industry and promote climate resilience in food and water systems, contributing to environmental conservation, protection, and restoration efforts under the NAP.

Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in 2024, the Embassy and the Provincial Government have been working closely on climate adaptation initiatives, including pilot projects on climate-resilient sugarcane seed varieties in Negros Occidental.

Also present during the meeting were Second Secretary for Climate and Science Ellen Anthony, Climate Change Attaché Des Andal-Cabrera, Provincial Environment Management Office Head Atty. Julie Ann Bedrio, and Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Dina Genzola, among others.

Cameron expressed appreciation to Gov. Lacson for his continued partnership and leadership in advancing the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in Negros Occidental. In response, the governor reaffirmed his openness to additional programs and initiatives that would further benefit local communities.

The Climate Counselor also shared that the Embassy is implementing a new project in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)–NIR, which aims to develop a climate-resilient aquaculture information and early warning system in Sagay City.

The meeting underscores the shared commitment of the Provincial Government and its partners to advance local climate adaptation strategies and build a more resilient future for communities in Negros Occidental.*

Governor B**g Lacson turned over a P300,000 check to National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL)–Negros Occidental Provincial Chairperson and Himamaylan City Vice Mayor Justin Dominic Gatuslao to support the distribution of food aid packages to indigent patients in the province.

The assistance aims to help meet the nutritional needs of indigent patients and support their families during treatment and recovery.*

5TH DISTRICT IP STUDENTS RECEIVE P1.5-M CAPITOL EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

Governor B**g Lacson and Fifth District Board Member Rita Gatuslao led the distribution of educational assistance totaling P1.5 million to 201 Indigenous Peoples (IP) students from the municipalities of Isabela and Binalbagan, and the City of Himamaylan, during a ceremonial turnover held on June 3.

Under the Educational Assistance for Indigenous Peoples’ Basic Education (EAIBE) program, a special scholarship category administered by the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division (NOSPD), each beneficiary received P7,500 to help cover school-related expenses.

Board Member Gatuslao, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education, underscored the importance of education in empowering IP youth and helping them achieve their aspirations. She encouraged the students to make the most of the assistance provided by the provincial government and to remain committed to their studies despite the challenges they may face.

In his message, Gov. Lacson encouraged the young IP scholars to persevere in their education and strive for excellence, emphasizing that education remains one of the most effective tools for improving lives and creating better opportunities for the future.

The governor also assured the students that the Provincial Government will continue to implement programs that promote inclusive development and ensure that no sector is left behind in the province’s progress.

Also present during the activity were NOSP Head Karen Dinsay, Milina Jeruta of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Negros Occidental, local government officials, parents, and IP community leaders who expressed their support for the educational advancement of Indigenous Peoples youth.*

Sped-up camera footages of ongoing ash emission from the Kanlaon Volcano summit crater that started at 6:39 AM today, 04 June 2026.

NOW HAPPENING. Governor B**g Lacson, Chairperson of the Economic Development Committee–Regional Development Council–Negros Island Region (EDC-RDC-NIR), presides over the EDC Second Quarter Meeting at L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City.

Among the agenda items for endorsement to the NIR RDC are the implementation of RA 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act, and the 2025 Regional Development Report from the NIR Regional Offices of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Science and Technology.

The council also discussed updates on the Pang-Agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka (PBBM) Bridge Projects.*

BRIGADA ESKWELA. Governor B**g Lacson led the 2026 Brigada Eskwela Division Kick-Off Program of the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Negros Occidental held today at E.B. Magalona National High School, reaffirming the Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting quality education and creating a safe and conducive environment for students.

The activity brought together education stakeholders, local government officials, teachers, parents, volunteers, and community partners in a collective effort to prepare schools for the opening of classes next week.

Gov. Lacson also emphasized the importance of community participation and shared responsibility in strengthening the education sector.*

The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental hosted a Heroes' Welcome and Thanksgiving Dinner for the athletes, coaches, and delegation officials who represented the province and the Negros Island Region (NIR) in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa 2026.

Governor B**g Lacson congratulated the athletes and coaches for their outstanding performance and for bringing pride and honor to Negros Occidental through their achievements in the national sports competition.

The Athletics Delegation delivered an impressive medal haul, winning 5 gold medals, 4 silver medals, and 1 bronze medal.

The medal-winning athletes and their coaches will be formally recognized and are scheduled to receive incentives from the Provincial Government.*