The establishment of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office (RSSO) in Negros Island Region (NIR) is underway as the newly formed administrative region which is seen to be fully operational this year.

In a statement on Thursday, January 30, the PSA-Negros Occidental said its chief statistical specialist, John Campomanes, has been named as the interim regional director.

“The PSA is gearing towards the establishment of its additional field office. Preparations are underway, beginning with the appointment of Campomanes,” it added.

Campomanes is spearheading the transition efforts, which will place the Provincial Statistical Offices of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor together under the RSSO-NIR.

He met with Negros Oriental chief statistical specialist Ariel Fortuito to discuss key points and ways forward during a preparatory meeting on January 28.

According to the PSA, the creation of the NIR under Republic Act 12000, also known as the Negros Island Region Act, in June last year brings the total number of regions in the Philippines to 18.

“This adjustment also affects the composition of Region 6 (Western Visayas) and Region 7 (Central Visayas), resulting in five provinces and one highly urbanized city (HUC) in Western Visayas, and two provinces and three HUCs in Central Visayas,” it added.

The NIR Act separates Negros Occidental from Western Visayas, as well as Negros Oriental and Siquijor from Central Visayas.

Among the national government agencies that have already established offices in the NIR include the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Office of Civil Defense, and the Commission on Elections. (PNA)