• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The long awaited signing of Negros Island Region bill by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. into law, is set for 2 p.m. of June 13 at Malacañang Palace in Manila.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed on Wednesday that he was among those invited to witness the signing of NIR into law, which also expected to be attended by local government officials of Negros Oriental and Siquijor, as well as all the NIR solons and senators who pushed for its approval.
As a whole, we are happy from all sides, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, Lacson said.
The NIR was initially established in 2015, through an executive order issued by the late President Benigno Aquino III. However, it was abolished by his successor, Rodrigo Duterte in August 2017, allegedly due to funding issues.
Lacson said “there is so much to be done” after it is signed into law, particularly setting up the regional offices and the Regional Development Council. “We will just do it a step at a time. The fact the President will sign it into law, is already an achievement for all of us,” he added.
Both the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce (MBBCI) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry(PCCI) in Region 7 hailed the scheduled signing of the NIR bill set for today. MBCCI Chief Executive Officer Frank Carbon called the NIR as “a boon for business,” which would create synergy to boost both local business and tourism.
Carbon also said creation of the new region would enhance inter-provincial road connectivity and upgrade Negros Island’s airports and seaports. The creation of the new region, he stressed, would have a positive domino effect on power generation and transmission, and development of water sources.
In his Facebook account, Edward Du, governor of PCCI Region 7, said “Happy Independent Negros Island Region. Tomorrow (June 13), we will be reunited again with our Siamese twin Ilonggo brothers and sisters,” as he thanked PBBM for its approval.
Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, who coauthored the NIR bill in the Lower House, said that June 13 is history unfolding for the people of Negros, as PBBM is set to sign the creation of new Visayas region.
Benitez said the establishment of NIR will bring government services closer to the people of Negros Island and Siquijor, and facilitate integrated development planning towards inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development in the region.
We hope that DILG will immediately convene the Technical Working Group that will iron out the institutional arrangements for the transition, he added.
Under the present set up, Negros Occidental belongs to Region 6 while Negros Oriental and island province of Siquijor are under Region 7.
Benitez also thanked PBBM on his support for the dream of Negrosanons to have a separate administrative region for Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
We are indebted also to the support of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and our kasimanwa former Senate President Migz Zubiri, the dedication of all Negros and Siquijor congressmen, and our champions in the Senate, especially our kasimanwa Senator JV Ejercito, who all worked together to shepherd the NIR bill, the solon further said.
Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya said that the ceremonial signing of the law establishing the NIR is a huge victory for the region, as this means that government services will finally be brought closer to Negrosanons, Siquijodnon, and Bacolodnons.
The unity shown by Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor only emphasizes our commitment to quality and accessible public services for our constituents.
This pivotal policy will help steer our attention and efforts on planning and consolidated efforts to spur growth and development in the region and improve the quality of life within our jurisdiction, Gasataya said.
No longer will our people have to cross mountains or seas just to avail of the services they deserve. There is no better way to welcome our 126th Independence Day than institutionalizing our cohesion as one region for the sake of better service for our people, the Bacolod solon added.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez, who is attending the NIR signing into law ceremony at Malacañang, said he is excited that NIR, being a separate region, will soon create a lot of benefits for the people of the three-province region.
More infrastructure and development projects, create more growth areas, opening of more government positions that will give opportunities to our local government workers, reduce bureaucratic processes as we will have our own regional offices here in Negros, are just of the benefits that the NIR will bring, Mayor Benitez added.
Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, a personal adviser of PBBM for Western Visayas, also thanked the President for fulfilling the dream of Negrosanons.
“Finally, the rebirth of NIR will happen, and it will be forever and ever,” Ferrer said.
Negros Occidental 5th district Rep. Dino Yulo said the NIR would spur more development, especially in rural areas and uplands of the province, and would lead to sustainable peace and order.*
