THE House Committee on Visayas Development met on Monday to ensure the timely implementation of Republic Act (RA) 12000 or the Negros Island Region (NIR) Act.
Negros Occidental 6th District Rep.Mercedes Alvarez, who presided over the meeting, underscored the need for the timely implementation of the law that was signed in June 2024.
“This measure facilitates the establishment of government offices closer to the communities they serve in enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of public service delivery,” she said.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-NIR Regional Director Engr. Arecio Casing Jr. reported that operationalization of the regional office is ongoing. He added that once it is set up, the NEDA-NIR will proceed with organizing the Regional Development Council (RDC) in NIR right after the elections.
According to Casing, the plan is to have the RDC-NIR proceed to draft the NIR Regional Development Plan.
Department of Agriculture (DA)-NIR OIC Red Jose Barrogo said that temporary satellite offices have been set up in Bacolod City, Dumaguete, and Siquijor that are situated in specific locations.
“We are envisioning that Negros Island Region to be the new investment region blooming with opportunities,” Barrogo added.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM)-NIR RD Maria Liane Gayumali, responding to Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, confirmed that no funds for the operationalization of the NIR was allocated in the 2025 budget, explaining that the proposed national budget had already been submitted before the NIR Act was enacted.
Gayumali nonetheless said that funds for the operation of the NIR for 2026 and succeeding years shall be incorporated in the national budgets.
NIR RDs representing other national government agencies such as the DOH, DOST, DPWH, SEC, TESDA, DTI, DOT, DOTR, PNP, PSA likewise presented their progress report in line with its compliance with the NIR Act.
The House Committee on Visayas Development is chaired by Leyte 2nd District Rep. Lolita Javier.
The newly created NIR is composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
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