EXPLORING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES: GUIMARAS LEADERS MEET NORWEGIAN AMBASSADOR

Governor Ma. Lucille L. Nava, MD, and Congressman JC Rahman A. Nava, MD, met with Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Christian Halaas Lyster, during a luncheon meeting on February 5, 2026, at the John B. Lacson Foundation Training Center Function Hall, Puerto Del Mar, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

Governor Nava shared Guimaras’ long-term development vision, noting that while significant milestones have already been achieved, continued support and partnerships will be vital in advancing the province’s future goals.

“It has been envisioned in our framework on what we are expecting Guimaras to be in the future, and a lot of that has already been accomplished, but we would need a lot of help and support for the development of our vision,” Governor Nava shared.

Congressman Nava also provided a brief overview of Guimaras’ development journey. He emphasized key areas, including agri-tourism, residential and seaport potential, logistics, historical significance, the environment, and infrastructure needs.

“We became a regular province only in 1992. We’ve been part of Iloilo province as a sub-province for 26 years before that. I think the conversion paved the way for us, in a way, for a better developmental perspective. To the point that way back in 2004, 2005, we came up with our spatial strategy for the province and identified our economic anchors,” Congressman Nava explained.

Ambassador Lyster shared that Norway’s key engagements in the Philippines center on the maritime sector, renewable energy, sustainability and the circular economy, ocean management, and seafood trade. He also highlighted Norway’s involvement in peace, development, and human rights initiatives.

“I’m always happy when I can travel and meet representatives—governors or mayors—because then I get to understand the challenges on the ground. The challenges are different depending on the region, and it’s a very good way for me and my team to understand better when we plan our activities and outreach,” Ambassador Lyster said.

Following the meeting, both parties expressed optimism about exploring future collaboration that could bring meaningful benefits to communities across the province.

Also present were Nueva Valencia Mayor Emmanuel Galila; JBLFMU Chairman of the Board Dr. Mary Lou L. Arcelo; JBLFMU CEO Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian; members of the Ambassador’s delegation, Ms. Ana-Maria Francesca Florentino and Mr. Claus Gaasvig; and members of the JBLFMU Board of Directors and Executive Council.