Bacolod City: Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan expressed optimism on the progress ahead for the Negros Island Region (NIR) as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) opened its regional office here Monday afternoon. "The NEDA-NIR office will play a pivotal role in crafting the region's first Regional Development Plan, a blueprint to harness growth and foster resilience, and ensure no community is left behind," Balisacan said during the inauguration of the regional office located inside the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) Alijis Campus.
According to Philippines News Agency, the coming months will be crucial as groundwork is laid for this vision. In line with Republic Act 12000 or the NIR Act, NEDA's Regional Development Group (RDG) will work closely with local stakeholders, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, and other government agencies to develop a roadmap for the NIR. Balisacan noted that progress is already underway.
The inauguration of the NEDA-NIR regional office followed a meeting hosted by the Negros Occidental provincial government at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, preparing for the organization of the Regional Development Council (RDC), the region's highest planning and policy-making body. "After the elections, this inaugural RDC will chart the region's course, ensuring socioeconomic strategies resonate with the aspirations of its people," Balisacan stated.
Balisacan, alongside Undersecretary for RDG Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, concurrent Regional Director Arecio Casing Jr., CHMSU President Norberto Mangulabnan, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, and Negros Oriental First District Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong, unveiled the NEDA-NIR office marker. Balisacan emphasized that this moment marks a historic milestone for the NIR's journey toward progress and for NEDA as they open their 16th regional office, reaffirming their commitment to region-driven development.
Governor Lacson noted that establishing the NEDA-NIR office is "not merely opening a physical space" but inaugurating a new period of collaboration and strategic governance. Mayor Benitez expressed that the "new hub will drive planning and development, fostering stronger collaboration between Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor as we work to make NIR a model region." Rep. Limkaichong added, "NEDA truly plays a crucial role in advancing the goal of our region," emphasizing the collective effort toward a prosperous and sustainable future for the NIR.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12000, or the NIR Act, into law in June last year, creating a new administrative region comprising the provinces of Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. Marcos stated the new region would be a "bulwark of greater growth" and a "conduit" for more effective and efficient delivery of essential services, assuring necessary national government assistance to expedite the region's development.
