• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As the budget of Negros Island Region is prepared for inclusion in the 2026 General Appropriations Act, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he expects NIR to be “fully operational” by 2027.
The statement came after the first coordination meeting of NIR regional directors was held on Wednesday at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City, in preparation for the organization of its Regional Development Council.
Agencies that will comprise the RDC-NIR were urged to submit programs, activities, and projects for prioritization under the new region.
Lacson said that 50 percent of the personnel requirements of NIR regional offices will be filled up by 2026, with 100 percent completion expected by 2027.
At present, he said that NIR is now “functional” with only the smaller line agencies yet to put up an office and assign personnel. Its budget came from Regions 6 and 7.
The Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency still have to appoint their respective regional directors for NIR.
Lacson said the organization of the RDC-NIR, expected to take place after the May 12 elections, is “an essential step to ensure that governance in NIR will be efficient, responsive and truly attuned to the needs of our communities.”
In June last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act 12000 or the NIR Act, creating a new administrative region comprising the provinces of Negros Occidental, including highly-urbanized Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
Under EO 82, at least 12 government agencies and offices are designated as additional members of RDCs in an effort to speed up the economic and social growth and development of the regional units.* with PNA reports
