• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental is offering two of its properties as the site of the regional center of Negros Island Region.
During the first coordination meeting of NIR regional directors, in preparation for the establishment of the Regional Development Council, held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz presented two provincial government properties, located in Barangay Matab-ang, Talisay City, and Cottage Road, Lacson Street in Bacolod City.
Diaz said the 25-hectare property of the provincial government in Talisay City has already been subdivided.
Should the majority of regional offices go for it, he said they will immediately commence site development, including roads, communications, electricity, and water facilities.
Diaz added that various regional offices may enter into an agreement with the provincial government, via usufruct, and not by donation, since the latter will dissipate the assets of the province.
Hopefully, if it pushes through by 2027, they can start to build their own offices, at their own expense.
The other site being offered by the provincial government is a 7,500 square meter property in Bacolod City.
Diaz disclosed that a 28-storey multi-use building is envisioned to be constructed in the area vacated by the Land Transportation Office, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and the Veteran’s Bank, under a Private Public Partnership scheme, with the private sector to build and operate.
The budget estimated for its construction is P6 billion, he added.
Diaz said that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson wants a “one stop shop” for the convenience of government offices and the constituents they serve.
Lacson earlier said that the high-rise building, which could be built in the area through a public private partnership, could also provide spaces for the regional offices.
According to the Department of Budget Management, the focus for 2026 will be the establishment of positions and personnel of various regional offices, Diaz said.
By 2027, NIR offices may start asking for a budget for the construction of their respective offices, Diaz further said.
At present, NIR regional offices are relying on their respective budgets from Regions 6 and 7.
The budget of NIR is expected to be included in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.*
