• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday aired his optimism on the further improvement of the economy of the three provinces under the newly created Negros Island Region.
The NIR is composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
President Marcos cited major infrastructure projects, such as the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway and Asenso Yuhum Residences in Bacolod City, as well as the improvement on the livelihood of Negrenses, through the TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) program of the Department of Labor.
The President said that he was excited to see the results of all these new developments, including its effects on the economies of localities, especially for those that are now part of the new Negros Island Region..
President Marcos Jr.also vowed that there will be no farmer or fisherfolk, or any Filipino who will be left behind under the “Bagong Pilipinas.”
“Magtiwala po kayo na sisikapin naming maabot ang ating mga liblib na pamayanan sa bawat sulok ng bansa nang sa gayon ay walang maiiwanan at mawalang mahuhuli, at sama-sama tayong maglalakbay patungo sa Bagong Pilipinas (Trust that we will strive to reach our remote communities in every corner of the country so that no one will be left behind, and together we will journey toward the New Philippines),” the Chief Executive said in his speech.
Both Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez thanked PBBM for the establishment of NIR.
With the signing of the NIR Act into law, and the distribution of assistance by President Marcos Jr, Lacson said “ we know we can always count on you to stand with us, through challenges and triumphs alike.”
Benitez, on the other hand, said “We foresee a brighter future with the establishment of NIR through coordinated development.”
“Thank you, Mr. President, for making our dream of One Negros a reality,” the mayor told PBBM in his speech during the distribution of various assistance to farmers and fisherfolk at the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos parade grounds in Bacolod City.
During the ceremony, the Chief Executive also turned over farm machinery, equipment and other support services to enhance productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
The President also led the ceremonial distribution of P10,000 each to selected farmers and fisherfolk affected by the recent drought in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
The grant was taken from the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolks, and their Families (PAFFF), which is under the Office of the President.
The Chief Executive also turned over P10 million aid to the Bacolod City government and P50 million for the province of Negros Occidental.*
