Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is upbeat on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s emphasis on agriculture and food security during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

“As the governor of a primarily agricultural province, it is heartening to hear the President’s genuine concern for the importance of agriculture, especially in relation to the local production of palay,” Lacson said in a statement Tuesday.

He underscored the President’s “focus and dedication to agriculture and food security” along with the “heightened efforts against smuggling to protect local farmers and the local economy, and the enhanced disaster response, particularly in the face of climate change.”

“I am certain this will have a positive impact on Negros Occidental,” he added.

During his SONA, Marcos mentioned the prioritization of local palay production, distribution of seedlings and fertilizers, training for farmers, and modernization of farming.

The Chief Executive also pushed for more Kadiwa centers for cheaper agricultural commodities, more support to fishers, and actions to combat agri-fishery smuggling.

Moreover, Lacson took note of “the applause from the entire Batasan for the President’s resolute stand on the West Philippine Sea and the banning of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).”

“It reveals the temper of the times and the clamor of the entire country and the Filipino people on these monumental issues,” he added.

The governor said the report of the President on the initiatives for the other sectors are “all welcome developments”.

Among these are the lowered electricity cost, the acknowledgment of public-private partnerships as a crucial funding mechanism for big-ticket projects, the expansion of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. benefits, the enhanced protection for overseas Filipino workers and seafarers, the reduction of poverty, the improved peace and order, and the bloodless war on drugs.

Others include the national learning recovery program, addressing the classroom and digital gap, the salary increase for government employees, the teachers’ special hardship allowance, and the assurance that “no teacher shall retire as Teacher 1.”

“While acknowledging the challenges being faced by the country, the President’s SONA was inspirational at the very least. It laid out a clear vision for the future and demonstrated a commitment to addressing the nation’s most pressing concerns,” Lacson said. (PNA)