BACOLOD CITY — Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria emerged as the highest-rated provincial governor in the newly created Negros Island Region (NIR), according to the latest “Boses ng Bayan” Index of Governance (IOG) survey conducted by RPMD Foundation Inc.
Sagarbarria posted a 78.1 percent Index of Governance, the highest among governors in the region. His score was derived from a 77.8 percent Trust Rating and a 78.5 percent Performance Rating.
Ranking second was Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson, who earned a 74.2 percent governance rating based on a 73.6 percent Trust Rating and a 74.9 percent Performance Rating.
Siquijor Governor Jake Vincent “Jekjek” Villa completed the Top Three with a 71.7 percent Index of Governance, supported by a 71.3 percent Trust Rating and a 72.1 percent Performance Rating.
The survey, conducted from April 1 to 8, 2026, is considered the first major governance assessment undertaken following the establishment of the Negros Island Region.
RPMD Foundation said the Index of Governance measures both public trust and governance performance, focusing on service delivery, infrastructure development, economic management, healthcare, education, public safety, disaster preparedness, transparency, and accountability.
All three governors exceeded RPMD’s 70-percent threshold for the “Very Strong” category and significantly surpassed the organization’s 55-percent passing benchmark.
According to RPMD Executive Director Dr. Paul Martinez, the results reflect strong public confidence in provincial leadership across the region.
“The Index of Governance reflects how people assess both trust and performance. When public officials earn high marks in both areas, it indicates effective leadership and responsive governance,” Martinez said.
The survey involved 5,000 respondents from Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor and carried a margin of error of ±1 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.
RPMD described the results as evidence that effective governance, responsive leadership, and sustained public service continue to earn the trust and approval of constituents throughout the newly formed region.|
