The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the guidelines for the organizational structure, staffing pattern and funding allocation of the creation of government offices in the Negros Island Region (NIR).
The DBM issued Circular Letter 2025-3, following the release of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act (RA) 12000 or NIR Act, to ensure smooth operations in the newly created region.
RA 12000 or the NIR ACT mandates the creation of a regional office in certain departments or agencies to improve government services in the region.
“With the NIR Act designed to speed up public service delivery in the local community, the DBM ensures its success by providing clear guidelines on how offices should be organized and operated effectively,” DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement yesterday.
Under Section 4 of the law, Negros Occidental will house government offices related to agriculture, land, peace and order, security and governance, while Negros Oriental will host offices focused on human development, infrastructure, and industry and labor.
The funds for daily operations and infrastructure needs of the NIR offices will come from the existing budgets of the concerned departments in Western Visayas and Central Visayas, according to the circular.
Additional funding may be provided by the agencies, if necessary.
For the initial operation of the NIR office, all concerned departments or agencies are directed to submit requests to the DBM for the issuance or reactivation of the organization code for the NIR office and Lower Level Operating Units (LLOUs).
They are also required to submit requests to the Bureau of the Treasury for the opening or updating of Modified Disbursement System (MDS) Sub-Accounts in Authorized Government Servicing Banks (AGSBs).
They also need to ask the AGSBs for the enrollment of the MDS Sub-Account and updating of unified accounts code structure organization codes of LLOUs with existing MDS Sub-Account.
The circular also addresses the mechanisms for establishing the organizational structure and staffing pattern in the NIR offices, including the transfer or detail of existing personnel, the designation of interim heads, and procedures for filling any remaining positions.
In light of the May 12, 2025 midterm elections, all staffing actions and personnel movements shall be subject to the provisions of the Omnibus Election Code, the DBM said.
The NIR Act, enacted into law on June 11, 2024, unifies the provinces of Siquijor, Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, to promote decentralized administration, strengthen local autonomy, and accelerate economic, cultural, and social development.
The DBM said the law is in support of the Bagong Pilipinas governance model, which prioritizes inclusivity and sustainable progress across the Philippines. (PNA)