By JEN BAYLON
The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Negros Island Region (NIR) Act has been signed by three key government agencies and several government officials in Negros Occidental, 6th District Representative Mercedes Alvarez said.
The IRR, signed by the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Economic and Development Authority, marks a crucial step toward NIR’s operationalization, aiming to enhance government services for Negrenses.
However, Alvarez expressed some reservations about the signing of IRR.
“I had a few concerns because what I pushed for was removed. I wanted these agencies to have the ability, upon study and recommendation, to establish extension or satellite offices in other provinces,” she said.
Despite these reservations, Alvarez emphasized the importance of moving forward with the initiative.
“I won’t really insist on it anymore because I want to ensure that we proceed,” she continued.
“The ultimate goal of the NIR is to bring government services closer to the people and make them more efficient,” she added.
She also addressed concerns regarding the potential impact of a petition filed by individuals from Negros Oriental and Siquijor, questioning the NIR Act’s constitutionality.
“The Supreme Court did not issue any order to suspend or to stop the implementation,” Alvarez said, reassuring that the petition would not hinder the implementation.
The transition to the new region is expected to begin after the signing of the IRR of Republic Act (RA) 12000, also known as the NIR Act.
Negros Occidental 5th District Representative Dino Yulo said copies of the IRR have been circulated for signature by the concerned government agencies.
He said the transition timeline will now commence, which includes the establishment of regional and sub-regional offices for various government agencies.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson signed the IRR at the Provincial Capitol yesterday.
This follows a postponed IRR signing in Siquijor due to conflicts in schedule.
The DILG facilitated the signing by all necessary signatories for the IRR.
Two representatives from Negros Occidental have yet to sign, with the DILG scheduled to return to Siquijor for the purpose.
Negros Oriental Governor Chaco Sagarbarria signed the IRR in Dumaguete City on October 1.
The IRR signing is a critical step for national government agencies, which are now expected to submit their transition plans for establishing regional offices in the NIR, ultimately aiming to enhance governance and services in the region.
It can be recalled that RA 12000, establishing the NIR, composed of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, was signed last June./JB, WDJ