Key leaders in Negros Occidental, led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, on Wednesday endorsed the senatorial bid of former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan in the 2025 midterm elections.

Lacson and Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez expressed their support during separate courtesy calls with Pangilinan. Former Governor Rafael Coscolluela and Bacolod City Councilor Celia Flor also pledged full support for Pangilinan’s return to the Senate.

During his meeting with Lacson, Pangilinan handed over a copy of the Sagip Saka Act, which he championed as the principal author in the Senate. The law allows both national and local governments to purchase agricultural products directly from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding.

Pangilinan said the law could boost the provincial government’s feeding programs and disaster relief operations by sourcing food directly from local producers.

He recalled that Negros Occidental was one of the first beneficiaries of the Sagip Saka initiative when it was still a personal advocacy.

“We were able to extend assistance to the province’s sugar farmers and provide farming equipment to Gawad Kalinga’s Enchanted Farm in Victorias,” Pangilinan said.

He added that in 2022, 20 fiberglass boats were also distributed to local fishermen through the support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

As part of his visit, Pangilinan was also scheduled to meet with farmers and fisherfolk in Talisay City to hear their concerns and discuss agricultural and fisheries reforms.