The group of local businessmen in Negros Oriental lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for his three proposed flagship projects in the province to be implemented under the re-established Negros Island Region (NIR).
Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) president Edward Du said this is the best time to carry out major infrastructure projects in the province.
Marcos announced during his latest visit to Dumaguete City on June 27 that the government will spearhead the construction of the New Dumaguete Airport Project, with an estimated cost of P17 billion.
He also announced the establishment of the Dumaguete City Super Family Health Center at an estimated cost of P15 billion, and the expansion of the Dumaguete Port.
“The timing of NIR is perfect. If there is something the President would want to implement here, he can do so because there are regional directors assigned here. The processing of papers will also be faster and easier. These projects could be fast-tracked,” Du said.
Du added that the local business chamber is optimistic on the future development projects that will be implemented in Negros Oriental.
“Aside from the airport, seaport, we will have more big projects like ecozones, retirement zones, even tourism economic zones. All of these require approval from the Regional Development Council. This will be difficult for us if the regional director is not from here. We are little compared to Cebu,” he added.
The President signed Republic Act 12000 on June 13, which re-established the NIR and combined the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
NIR was first established in 2015 under the administration of then President Noynoy Aquino through an executive order, but was dissolved in 2017 under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In his speech on June 27, Marcos said re-establishing NIR aims to bring better services to Negrenses and Siquijodnons.
“We have an opportunity under NIR to further develop your region and bring services effectively to its people. The delivery of services from the national government will be faster because you would no longer need to travel far just to get to the regional offices, which you have to visit once in a while,” he said.
Du said another advantage of re-establishing NIR is that it would promote the ease of doing business.
“It will be easier for our businessmen and even our foreign investors to process their licenses and permits. The NIR will help ease the cost of fast track because some regional offices will be located in Dumaguete City. That alone is the biggest advantage for us,” Du said. (PIA-7 Negros Oriental)