President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is prioritizing tourism and economic growth and health system improvement in Negros Oriental as he announced his first three projects in the province under the re-established Negros Island Region (NIR).
The President’s projects in the province are the construction of the New Dumaguete Airport Development Projects with an estimated cost of P17 billion, Dumaguete City Super Family Health Center with an estimated cost of P15 billion, and the expansion of the Dumaguete Port.
He announced this in his speech before 5,000 Oriental Negrenses and officials at the Lamberto Macias Sports Center during his visit to Dumaguete City on June 27.
Marcos described the new airport project as a beacon for a progressive tourism industry, trade and economy in Negros Oriental, while the upcoming expansion of the Dumaguete Port will improve the passenger and cargo capacity of the current seaport.
He also assured the public that the proposed super family health center in Dumaguete would have its own pharmacy, birthing center, among others.
It will be equipped with x-ray machines and vital equipment to provide quality healthcare services.
“Pinatutunayan lamang ng lahat na ito ang ating determinasyon na makapagbigay ng dekalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan sa bawat residente ng Dumaguete at ang mga karatig-pook. Ang lahat ng ito ay hudyat ng bagong yugto para sa ating mga mamamayan dito sa Dumaguete, dito sa Negros Oriental,” Marcos said.
The President added that with the re-establishment of NIR, government services will be brought closer to Negrenses and Siquijodnons.
The President signed Republic Act 12000 on June 13, 2024 re-establishing the NIR or Region 18, which covers the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
NIR was first established in 2015 under the administration of the late President Noynoy Aquino, but was dissolved in 2017 under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The announcement of President Marcos’ projects in Negros Oriental was well received by local leaders.
“[For transporting] everything, domestic cargos or foreign international vessels, we need a bigger area for that or a big port. In the business sector, the more airports, the more seaports, the better. It’s for development,” said Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Edward Du.
Meanwhile, Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo said the projects are advantageous for the province and the city.
“This law is very advantageous because it will institutionalize the regrouping of the provinces. It will also automatically promote tourism,” Remollo said. (PIA-7 Negros Oriental)