Her Excellency, Deputy Australian Ambassador, Dr. Moya Collett together with her Portfolio Manager, Rollie De la Cruz called on Gov. Bong Lacson at the Provincial Capitol, Monday.

Gov. Lacson warmly welcomed Dr. Collett and Mr. Dela Cruz to Negros Occidental who were interested to know about the various collaborations and engagements between the province and Australia.

Gov. Lacson discussed the scholarship program of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental in Northern Territory, Australia.

Dr. Collett was amazed at the various engagements of the Province of Negros Occidental that include a strong relationship with Northern Territory Government.

The governor also briefed Dr. Collett on his ABANSE Negrense priority development agenda as well as the tourism and investment potentials of Negros Occidental.

He also reiterated to the Deputy Ambassador that Negros Occidental needs the expertise of Australian Government in Disaster Management and Mr. Dela Cruz said that he will coordinate with the team regarding future trainings.

The collaboration and engagements between Negros Occidental and Australia were made possible through the efforts of Philippine Honorary Consul General Januario John Rivas, Honorary Consul to Northern Territory, Australia.

Capitol department and office heads present during the visit were Atty. Alberto Nellas, Jr, OIC-Provincial Administrator, Charina M. Tan, OIC PIO, Cheryl Decena, Provincial Tourism Officer, Dr. Cristina Orbecido, Vocational School Administrator, Irene Bel Plotena, LDRRMO IV and Karen Dinsay, NOSPD head. *#AbanseNegrense