Concern Sectoral Alliance – Negros (CSA-N) Endorsed Governor Lacson, Jose Benito Joeben Alonzo for Vice
Press Release
28 March 2025
Concern Sectoral Alliance – Negros (CSA-N), a Local NGO based in the Island of Negros through the support of various International Humanitarian development actors working for the promotion of peace and development which is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), on a statement last February 2025 reaffirm the endorsement of Gov. Lacson and Jose Benito Joeben Alonzo for Governor and Vice-Governor respectively in the coming mid-term election to be held on May 2025.
The Concern Sectoral Alliance – Negros (CSA-N), a duly registered non-governmental organization committed to advancing peace, sustainable development, and good governance in the Negros Island Region, formally announces its endorsement of the candidacy of Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson and Vice Governor Jose Benito “Joeben” Alonzo in the upcoming May 2025 mid-term elections.
This endorsement reflects CSA-N’s steadfast belief in the leadership capabilities of Governor Lacson and Vice Governor Alonzo, as well as their demonstrated commitment to the Abanse Negrense Agenda—a comprehensive development framework designed to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the Negrense people.
Rationale for Endorsement
1. Unification and Strengthening of Key Political Alliances
CSA-N recognizes the critical importance of political stability and collaborative governance in achieving long-term development. The unification of UNEGA (United Negros Alliance) and LOVE Negros under Governor Lacson’s leadership has fostered a more cohesive and progressive political environment. This merger has:
Reduced political fragmentation, enabling more efficient policy implementation.
Enhanced bipartisan cooperation in legislative and executive initiatives.
Strengthened peacebuilding efforts by minimizing electoral conflicts and promoting unity among Negros’ diverse communities.
By endorsing this leadership tandem, CSA-N aims to sustain this momentum, ensuring that governance remains inclusive, participatory, and free from divisive partisanship.
2. Continuation of the Abanse Negrense Agenda
The Abanse Negrense Agenda represents a holistic and forward-looking development blueprint that aligns with CSA-N’s mission of promoting equitable growth. Key pillars of this agenda include:
Agricultural Competitiveness & Food Security
Modernization of farming techniques and support for agri-entrepreneurs.
Expansion of irrigation systems and sustainable land-use policies.
Infrastructure Development
Construction and rehabilitation of critical roads, bridges, and ports to boost connectivity.
Digital infrastructure improvements to enhance ICT accessibility.
Economic Growth & Employment
Investment in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Job creation through public-private partnerships and skills development programs.
Public Health & Safety
Strengthening healthcare systems, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Disaster risk reduction and emergency response preparedness.
Environmental Sustainability
Climate-resilient policies and conservation programs.
Promotion of eco-tourism and renewable energy initiatives.
Education & Human Development
Upgrading school facilities and expanding scholarship programs.
Integration of sports, culture, and ICT in youth development.
CSA-N firmly believes that the re-election of Governor Lacson and the election of Vice Governor Alonzo will ensure the continuity, expansion, and effective implementation of these transformative programs.
3. Demonstrated Leadership & Transparency
Governor Lacson’s administration has been marked by:
Accountability in governance, with regular public disclosures of budget allocations and project completions.
Proactive engagement with civil society, ensuring that development programs are demand-driven and community-responsive.
Zero corruption allegations, reinforcing public trust in the provincial government.
Such ethical leadership is indispensable in fostering a culture of integrity and public service excellence, which CSA-N actively champions.
4. Synergistic Leadership for Peace & Development
The partnership between Governor Lacson and Vice Governor Alonzo presents a balanced and complementary leadership approach:
Governor Lacson’s experience in policy formulation and executive governance.
Vice Governor Alonzo’s legislative acumen and grassroots engagement.
Together, they are poised to:
Accelerate poverty reduction initiatives through targeted social protection programs.
Enhance peace and order by addressing insurgency, agrarian disputes, and social inequalities.
Promote Negros Island as an investment and tourism hub, generating sustainable livelihoods.
CSA-N’s Call to Action
In light of these considerations, CSA-N urges all Negrense voters to support the Lacson-Alonzo tandem, as their leadership embodies the principles of:
✔ Good Governance (Transparency, Accountability, Participation)
✔ Inclusive Development (Leaving No One Behind)
✔ Sustainable Progress (Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental Protection)
The May 2025 elections present a pivotal opportunity to consolidate Negros’ gains and secure a brighter future for generations to come.
Conclusion
As a civil society organization dedicated to the welfare of the Negros Island Region, CSA-N remains committed to monitoring governance performance, advocating for pro-people policies, and ensuring that development remains equitable and just.
We stand firm in our endorsement of Governor Lacson and Vice Governor Alonzo and call upon all stakeholders—voters, local government units, the private sector, and development partners—to unite behind a shared vision of a progressive, peaceful, and prosperous Negros
Putin says it would be a 'profound mistake' to dismiss Trump's push for Greenland
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned against dismissing U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for Greenland control, stating it’s unsurprising given America’s long-standing interest in the mineral-rich territory. Delivering a speech in Murmansk, Putin said Trump’s intent to annex Greenland concerns only the U.S. and Denmark, not Russia. He emphasized that the U.S. had such plans since the 1860s and offered to buy Greenland after World War II.Putin clarified that the U.S. has a serious, long-standing plan for Greenland and will continue advancing its interests in the Arctic. Though not critical of Trump, his comments come as U.S. Vice President JD Vance leads a high-profile delegation to Greenland on Friday.Vance said he’d join his wife to assess Greenland’s security.
Trump desires control of the autonomous Danish territory, viewing it as crucial for national security. However, Greenland and Denmark oppose his plans, with Greenland’s outgoing prime minister expressing frustration.
Putin emphasized the importance of the Arctic and the escalating geopolitical competition. He outlined Russia’s Arctic plans, prioritizing transport and logistics improvements.
Despite asserting no link between Greenland and Russia, Putin expressed concerns about NATO countries designating the Arctic as a conflict zone and deploying troops there. He cited Finland and Sweden, which joined NATO in 2023 and 2024, respectively, as recent problems.
Devastating Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Resulting in over 1,000 Fatalities
28 March 2025
Devastating Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Resulting in Over 1,000 Fatalities
A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake, the most significant to impact Myanmar in over a century, has resulted in an estimated death toll exceeding 1,000, with the United States Geological Survey predicting a potential figure of over 10,000 fatalities.
In response to the crisis, neighboring countries China and India have deployed rescue teams to assist in the recovery efforts. The Chinese team was the first international rescue group to arrive in Myanmar on Saturday morning, as reported by state media. India’s external affairs minister announced that New Delhi has dispatched a rescue and medical team, along with urgent humanitarian aid.The earthquake triggered the collapse of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand, resulting in at least 10 fatalities.
Authorities are actively working to rescue over 100 individuals believed to be trapped beneath the rubble of an under-construction high-rise.Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest nations, is currently grappling with the aftermath of a civil war that erupted following a military coup in 2021. The country’s inadequate infrastructure exacerbates the challenges posed by natural disasters. Aid organizations have reported widespread communications disruptions and damaged roads, hindering their ability to reach those in need of assistance.
Hunger among Filipino's rises to 27.2 %, highest since pandemic
27 March 2025
Manila, Philippines — The prevalence of hunger among Filipino households has surged to its highest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020, as revealed by a survey conducted in March.
The Stratbase-Social Weather Stations national survey, conducted from March 15 to 20 and released on March 29, 2025, disclosed that 27.2% of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger, surpassing the previous peak of 30.7% recorded in September 2020. This represents a significant 6-point increase from February’s figure of 21.2% and a 7-point deviation from the 2024 annual average of 20.2%. The surge is attributed to two consecutive months of rising hunger rates, with the figure increasing from 15.9% in January 2025.
Among the 27.2% experiencing hunger, 6.2% suffered severe hunger, characterized by frequent or persistent hunger, while 21.0% faced moderate hunger, experiencing hunger once or a few times within the past three months.
The survey revealed a regional disparity in hunger incidence, with the Visayas experiencing the most pronounced increase, from 20.0% to 33.7%. Balance Luzon also witnessed a substantial rise, with its hunger rate increasing by 4.9 points from 19.1% to 24.0%. Mindanao’s hunger rate grew by 4 points, reaching 27.3% from 23.3%.
The survey employed face-to-face interviews with 1,800 registered voters nationwide to gather the data. The sampling error margins for the survey were ±2.31% for national percentages, ±3.27% for Balance Luzon, and ±5.66% each for Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
The survey items included in the report were non-commissioned and were included as a public service initiative by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).
In February, the Philippine government declared a food emergency to regulate the price of rice, a staple component of Filipino cuisine. Concurrently, inflation experienced a decline to 2.1% as vegetable and rice prices experienced a reduction.
One month later, on March 7, the Department of Agriculture implemented a price ceiling for pork within the Metro Manila region. However, compliance with this policy remained inadequate just one week after its implementation.
Subsequently, on March 10, the Department of Agriculture reimposed a price ceiling for pork within the Metro Manila region. Nevertheless, compliance with this policy continued to be low just one week after its implementation.