It is nice to hear about Negros as its own region, something that had been proposed years back.
The idea was a brilliant one, but local residents are thinking again about how such a region can be accomplished. Three years have passed and it is still unimaginable having to travel to opposite sides of the island just for government documentation to be completed. That six hour trip is a waste of time and resources. Upon arriving at your destination, a quarter of the day has already been spent travelling; even getting to the office, the person you need may be out for the day – what next? Travel the six hours again back home?
Travel between the two provinces is a serious concern. Those in Negros Oriental say it is easier to drive to Cebu, while those in the Negros Occidental consider it easier to ferry to Panay.
Those pushing for a Negros region may bring better governance to the island, but the people are left with a predicament when it comes to travel.
One proposal, however, suggests establishing rail service to tunnel through the mountains, which would cut travel time to two hours. Without this, the prospect of establishing a Negros region is dim.
Whenever I am invited to a Department of Tourism-Region VI event, it is easy for me to hop on a ferry and head to Iloilo City. The same is true when I invite DOT officials to Bacolod City – they likely accepted the invitation because of the travel convenience.
***
Cheers to DOT-6 director, Atty. Helen Catalbas, who is often considered to be one of the three best movers among regional directors. Many do not realize how difficult a task is to handle six provinces, considering the number of politicians trying to add their input on tourism projects.
She may be the happiest in the region once she retires, but her successor will be left with a headache.
You know naman, the culture of Ilonggos and Negrenses.
***
This column greets Michelle Garcia, Nico Velasquez, Matin Arandez, Rudy Tiu, Bobby Tee, Eugene Tiu. Dodong Bascon, Joey Trayco, Vic Tan, Raymund Javellana, and Joanne Yoshida./WDJ