Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson rallied leaders, entrepreneurs and stakeholders to work together for the advancement of the Negros Island Region (NIR).
“We have a duty to act decisively and collaboratively to ensure that the NIR becomes a model, not just of progress but also of inclusivity,” Lacson said during the forum on economic prospects for the new region held at a hotel in Bacolod City.
“Let us embrace this new period with optimism, purpose and unity.”
NIR, comprising the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, and the highly-urbanized Bacolod City, was established through Republic Act 12000 signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in June last year.
The establishment of the administrative region — with its own Regional Development Council, Regional Technical Working Team, and population of about 4.3 million — is expected to improve the delivery of basic services, accelerate economic growth and drive social development.
“Considering the geography of Negros Island, the unification of our provinces under one region will foster energy, eliminate barriers and maximize shared resources such as water, energy and land,” Lacson said.
He added that Negros Occidental has already taken steps to implement a bamboo propagation program as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and water security.
During the forum, discussed along with the economic prospects were the development of bamboo industry, various agribusiness opportunities, real estate opportunities and the need for reliable power source.
The gathering was organized by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Meanwhile, Mayor Alfredo Benitez said in a press briefing on Tuesday, January 21, that in signing the implementing rules and regulations of the NIR Act, he expressed his stand to the technical working group that there should be the presence of all national government agencies in all the provinces.
“Whether it’s satellite, virtual or any method that will allow transactions to take place in all the provinces within the NIR. We are now in modern times. With modern technology, there is no reason for them not to accommodate those transacting with the government,” he said.
In signing the NIR Act, Marcos said the new administrative region would be a “bulwark of greater growth” and a “conduit” for more effective and efficient delivery of essential services.
The President also pledged that the national government will provide the necessary assistance to bring the new region “up to speed as quickly as possible.” (PNA)