By CESAR JOLITO III

The newly reconstituted Regional Development Council of the Negros Island Region (RDC-NIR) has identified road connectivity and airport upgrades as its immediate priorities.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said RDC-NIR will focus on improving road networks between the province and Negros Oriental, along with the expansion of Siquijor Airport to accommodate larger aircraft.

The initiative aims to strengthen interisland mobility and position the airport for possible international operations.

Lacson added that Negros Occidental’s airport also requires an upgrade to meet the demands of a growing passenger market.

“We cannot have projects unless they pass through the RDC, especially if they need national funding,” he said, noting that the RDC Secretariat, under the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, will consolidate and endorse proposals to the national government.

The governor further revealed that the national government is expected to fully fund RDC-NIR’s personnel services by 2026.

However, office infrastructure and other major support facilities may not be completed until 2027.

The upgrading was laid out by Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, who was recently elected chairperson of RDC-NIR.

Sagarbarria underscored that better road links and modernized airport facilities are crucial to sustaining economic growth and tourism in NIR.

With the RDC-NIR now operational, leaders from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor are pushing to fast-track infrastructure projects that will solidify the region’s economic foundation and improve connectivity across the island provinces./CJ, WDJ