In these trying times, my most important task as your Governor is to keep you safe and protected. At the start of the year. We saw it in the news, and the possibility of a pandemic was just unfolding. Yet that time, the threat was not as real for the Negrense as it is now. Never in recent history that borders and ports have been closed and community quarantine imposed. We are facing a novel virus, an unfamiliar disease. The virus is not under our control, but we can control our response. The proper coordination between the government and its citizens is the most effective tool in facing circumstances like this.

We cannot judge the gravity of a crisis based on the fact that it has missed us and our close circles, for COVID 19 is already here in Negros Occidental. The totality of our acts,—- that of the government and you, the citizens will determine the future of Negros Occidental and the Negrenses. How will history judge us, will we survive this crisis by cooperation or will we succumb because of disobedience and distrust?

The rules have been laid out, the least we can do is to follow. We are not sure how long we are going to be in this quandary, but be assured that your Provincial Government is doing everything under the given circumstances to ensure the security, welfare and well being of everyone. In situations like this, each and everyone has an active role to play. Never underestimate the impact of your contribution by staying home. We are one nation, one province, one people.

This is your Governor Bong Lacson, asking all of you to stay home, practice social distancing and exercise proper hygiene. We are all in this together. It has been said that upon the conduct of the individual, depends the date of all Thank you and GOD bless Negros Occidental.