Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said here Monday the provincial government will extend financial assistance of PHP2 million to Bogo City, the epicenter of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted the Visayas last week.

“We have decided to adopt Bogo. We’re sending PHP2 million,” Lacson told Capitol reporters.

The governor made the commitment as the One Negros Response Team, composed of responders from the provincial government and nine local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental, continues to provide relief assistance, particularly potable water supply, to Bogo City and the adjacent municipalities since their deployment to Cebu on Oct. 3.

During the initial two-day operation, from Oct. 4 to 5, the responders were able to distribute 92,100 liters of potable water supply that benefited 921 families or 4,605 individuals.

Lacson said as Negros Occidental “stands with Cebu in this time of need,” he is encouraging other LGUs in the province to also adopt affected localities if their budget allows it.

Along with other provincial officials, the governor expressed his appreciation and commended the nine LGUs for being part of the One Negros Response Team deployed to Cebu.

These include the cities of San Carlos, Sipalay, Silay, Sagay, Cadiz, Talisay, Escalante, and Victorias, as well as the municipality of Toboso.

“Your courage, compassion, and unity prove that in times of crisis, Negros Occidental stands not just for itself, but for the entire nation,” the provincial officials said in a statement. (PNA)