By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. said he welcomes the proposal by incoming Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño to set up freeport zones in Negros.

Marañon said he welcomes such a plan as it would create a “Subic” for Negros.

The governor also believes the proposal would be a huge benefit for the economy of the island.

Diño earlier announced the proposal when he was invited as the guest of honor for the launching of Task Force MassKara, last Monday.

Diño, formerly the chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the geographic location and depth of the local waters makes the area “perfect” for large container ships.

The idea was also lauded by Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who said such a project would have a positive effect on the island’s economy and will create thousands of jobs./DGB, WDJ