Local leaders in the province expressed support for the proposal to create a Negros Island economic superhighway as it would ensure long-term economic growth for Negros Oriental.
Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria announced his administration’s plan to spearhead the construction of the Negros Island Region (NIR) economic superhighway in a recent forum.
He said this project was discussed and agreed with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio “Bong” Lacson to improve the trade between the two provinces.
Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) president Edward Du said the local business chamber welcomes the proposal as it would promote connectivity and faster transport of goods and cargoes between the two provinces.
It would also cut the travel time for tourists crossing the provincial borders.
“You can now connect the two provinces using the existing road network, either palapdan or i-extend or widen, or create new roads. That will require a feasibility study, but the good thing is it’s already being agreed by both provinces,” Du said.
“[It would also promote] faster travel, more goods, more cargoes, more tourists. Connectivity is very important,” he added.
The NOCCI president added that establishing a superhighway would dispel issues which sprang up before the NIR law was passed, such as the long distance travel to Bacolod City, where half of the government regional offices will be located and unstandardized road lanes along the provincial borders.
Meanwhile, Ayungon Mayor Dennis Amancio said the superhighway will introduce great improvements to municipalities like his town, which is currently a 2nd class municipality.
“That idea is very good. As a local chief executive, you should have ideas on how to improve your area. That will leave a great economic impact on us,” Amancio said.
The municipal government is banking on tourism to spur economic development in their town.
Last year, Amancio announced in a briefing with public information officers in Negros Occidental that the municipal government would be developing three tourist destinations, namely Mt. Cuisaw, Banban Eco-Park, and the Ayungon Mechanized Nursery.
Ayungon is located 82 kilometers north of Dumaguete City, the capital city of Negros Oriental.
Better trade route for Negrenses
Sagarbarria said the proposed Negros Island economic superhighway is designed to boost agricultural trade and business between the two Negros provinces.
“This will be a brand-new road, not just an improvement of existing ones. It will offer a better trade route, passing through all the local government units of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental that would benefit all our farmers. It will also offer a safer route, designed to make travel between our provinces faster and more convenient,” Sagarbarria said. (PIA-7 Negros Oriental)