BACOLOD CITY—It was a year of triumphs for Negros Occidental as the province received national recognition for its outstanding local initiatives, including peace efforts, under the leadership of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
In early December, Lacson, who chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Western Visayas, received the Gawad Parangal from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
He was cited for his efforts in making a positive impact on society, and working for the convergence of efforts to attain the goals of ending the local armed conflict.
As the chairperson of the RPOC and Provincial TF-ELCAC, Lacson has been advocating for the surrender of communist rebels, urging them to avail of the benefits offered by the national and local governments to make Negros Occidental insurgency-free.
Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, led by provincial director Col. Leo Pamittan, was also awarded Best Police Provincial Office in rites celebrating the 122nd Police Service anniversary of the Philippine National Police in August.
The peace efforts, however, also suffered some setbacks.
In August, a police officer died while three others were wounded in an armed encounter while on their way to serve warrants of arrest to communist terrorists in the hinterlands of Calatrava town, northern Negros.
Cpl. Jaime Nuñez died while those wounded were deputy station chief Capt. Jesus Alba, Staff Sgt. Frank Caballero and Cpl. Dennis Nasis, all of Calatrava police.
Another national recognition conferred on Negros Occidental was its inclusion in the roster of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardees last Dec. 14 by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
For the feat, the provincial government received an SGLG marker and an incentive fund of P4 million.
“The SGLG represents more than an award and a distinction and serves as a testament to the province’s unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding public service through fostering transparency, upholding accountability, and embracing the principles of good governance,” Lacson said.