• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental 2nd district Rep. Alfredo Marañon III yesterday shared the optimism of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson that the creation of Negros Island Region will be signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. before this year’s State Of the Nation Address in July.
Marañon, who also co-authored the NIR bill, which was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives, before concurrence by the Senate, said that the NIR bill is among the 42 priority legislative measures identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Council (LEDAC) headed by President Marcos Jr.
LEDAC serves as a consultative and advisory body to the President, on the programs and policies essential to the realization of the goals of the Philippine economy.
Marañon also recalled that the establishment of NIR was among his campaign promises during the 2022 presidential elections.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental has offered five hectares out of its 25 hectare property in Brgy. Matab-ang, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, for the site of national government offices that will be assigned in the province, under the new region.
The NIR will be composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and the island province of Siquijor.
Marañon said the adoption of the Senate version of the NIR bill by the House of Representatives would mean that it will no longer pass through the bicameral committee, and it will be transmitted directly to Malacañang for appropriate action.
Former president Benigno Aquino III initially established the NIR in 2015, through Executive Order No. 183. However, the new region was abolished shortly after, when Rodrigo Roa Duterte succeeded him in 2016.
“I am hoping that it will be signed into law next month, or before SONA, so that it can be funded,” said Maranon, who was the guest of honor of the 28th Sinigayan Festival of Sagay City.
He recalled that when the NIR was initially established several years ago, the delivery of basic services was very smooth, because of the presence of regional offices in two Negros provinces.*
